Melvin R. Paulus, 87, of Odon, Indiana went to Heaven with his loving family by his side, at home, on Friday, December 16, 2022. He was born on January 23, 1935, in Phillipsburg, Ohio to Raymond and Vesta (Hoke) Paulus. Melvin married the love of his life, Gladys J. (Myers) Paulus, of 66 years on August 22, 1954.
Melvin was a member of Bethel Mennonite Church and the White River Valley Antique Association. He was involved in Habitat for Humanity, Stepping Stones Ministry, Fellowship of Concerned Mennonites and others. He became a Minister at the age of 17 and pastored Cascadia Mennonite Church in Cascadia, Oregon before moving to Indiana to pastor the Bethel Mennonite Church, Odon, Indiana in 1977, where he served until his retirement. During his ministry, he traveled and evangelized across the country.
Family left to cherish the memory of Melvin include: six daughters, Anita (Brent) Stubbs of Hydro, OK, Letha (Jeff) Stoll of Plainville, IN, Ellen (Eldon) Shantz of Thomas, OK, Stella (Duey) Matthews of Pryor, OK, Raylene (Bob) Swartzentruber and Lavone (Mike) Miller, both of Odon; twenty-four grandchildren; forty-five great-grandchildren; siblings, Norman (Joy) Paulus, David (Virginia) Paulus, Denver (Jean) Paulus, Zelma (Harvey) Otto, Wilmer (Linda) Paulus, Eileen (Richard) Daniels and Arleen (Butch) Heath.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gladys; one grandchild, Titus Miller; great-grandson, Bennet Miller and brothers, Millard, Berlin and Earnest Paulus.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 19, 2022, at Bethel Mennonite Church in Odon with Carmen Detweiler, Lonnie Raber and Simon Knepp officiating. Melvin will be laid to rest in Bethel Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Family and friends may call from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Sunday, December 18 and from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 10:00 AM on Monday at the church.
All arrangements have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.mengfuneralhome.com.
