Melvin T. “Mel” McCutcheon, age 94, formerly of Clinton, Iowa and Sun City, Arizona, passed away Friday, January 5, 2024 at Silvercrest Garner Senior Living in Davenport. In following Mel’s wishes cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no services. Burial will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. The Pape Funeral Home is
assisting the family.
Mel was born in Clinton on September 22, 1929, the son of Klare and Etta (Finch) McCutcheon. He graduated from Lyons High School and attended DeVry University in Chicago. Mel served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Lois Grabe on September 22, 1954. Lois passed away on October 14, 2015. Mel was employed as a
firefighter with the Clinton Fire Department. He later worked as an electrician with the Clinton Public School System. Following his retirement he and Lois moved to Arizona in 1995. While in Clinton Mel and Lois were avid boaters on the Mississippi River. He enjoyed staying fit by hiking and was a member of a local hiking club in Arizona.
Mel is survived by 4 grandchildren; Luke (Kristen) Johnson of Arizona; Jake (Jacie) Johnson of Washington State, April (Nathan) Gravert of Camanche, and Dustin (Athena) McCutcheon of Pocahontas, Iowa; 9 great grandchildren; and his brother, William “Bill” McCutcheon of Davenport. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Carol Anne Johnson and a son Richard “Dick” McCutcheon. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
I’m so sorry to hear Mel. I remember him growing up. My dad and Mel were on the fire dept together and good friends. I remember finding a cool rock when I was young. I put clear fingernail polish on it and gave it to Mel. He carried the rock for years in his pocket. It broke in small pieces, but he still carried it. I remember my dad taking us out on the river with Mel and Lois. Lots of fond memories of him.
Again, I’m sorry for your loss.
What a wonderful picture of Mel!