Melvin A. Daniel

A LIFE WELL LIVED
Melvin Albert Daniel
1933-2022

On April 2, 1933, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Melvin Albert Daniel was born to Laura and Jacob Daniel. He was greeted at his family home by his siblings Bernice, Helen, Gerald, and Robert. The baby of his family, Melvin had a typical and happy childhood. He was educated in the schools of Indianapolis and finished his early education by graduating from Crispus Attucks High School. 

Melvin enlisted in the US Army in 1953 and was trained at Ft. Knox, KY.  While there, he received the American Spirit Honor Medallion as top man. This was one of several honors he received during his military career. Other honors included, a Sharpshooter Badge, National Defense Service Medal and Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) to name a few.
From Ft. Knox he was deployed to France. Here served a tour of duty in the Korean War after which he received an Honorable Discharge (1955) and returned to Indianapolis.
WE THANK YOU.  FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Before his military service, Melvin had been a glue maker at National Starch Products in Indianapolis.  Upon discharge, he returned to the company where he worked his way up to Electrical Engineer. Melvin retired from this position after 45 years in 1991.

Melvin was a Union Man. He was a member of the AFL-CIO and OCAW International. Upon completion of a training class in 1976, he served as Secretary/Treasurer of the latter’s Local 7-706.  He also served as National Secretary/Treasurer for several years.

Melvin was certified in several areas of finance. He continued his studies in business. Using this knowledge, Melvin became a tax consultant for more than 40 years.

After a long courtship, Melvin was joined in Holy Matrimony to Nollie Jean Hampton on October 30, 1971. Over the years they enjoyed union conventions and working daily “Jumbles” puzzles. He considered Nollie’s 3 daughters, his daughters. He also had a stepdaughter from a previous marriage.

Melvin enjoyed baseball.  So much so that he collected baseball-style caps. Melvin loved to “tinker” with things that needed to be fixed. He was pretty good at it too.

Melvin was a very devout Christian man.  He loved the Lord and gospel music. It could be heard throughout the house. When his health no longer permitted him to attend his home services at Zion Hope Baptist Church, he listened to churches on the radio.

Melvin was admitted to the Veteran’s Administration Hospital several weeks ago. On Friday evening September 16, 2022, he went peacefully to sleep.  At around 2:20 AM. on September 17, 2022, he awoke in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, his wife, his daughter, Barbara A. Wright and his grandson, Dale W. Finley, Jr.  He leaves to celebrate his homegoing his
daughters, Alice R. (Dale) Finley of Michigan, Sylvia M. Hampton and Damita King of Indianapolis, sister-in-law Bessie (Frank) Campbell of Anderson, grandchildren David A. Hampton, Angela E. Smith, Nolise Stone, Michael J. and Anthony D. Finley of Michigan, 15 great grand children, 4 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, Carmen Bertram, Geraldine Daniel, a host of other relatives and friends.