Melvin Robert Sallee, age 82, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 20, 2024. He was born on April 4, 1941 to his parents, Orville Sallee and Celestine Corbin Sallee. Mel married the love of his life, Arlene Ridge Sallee on June 10, 1967, and the two have shared 56 wonderful years together.
Mel attended high school at Walnut Grove, and received his diploma while in the Army. He proudly served his country from 1960 through 1963; where he was an expert riflemen (m-14), marksman (81 mortar), and sharpshooter (106RR). Mel went on to attend IU Kokomo, and earned degrees in Operations Service Technology and Science Industrial Management. Mel also attended auctioneer school.
Through the years, Mel wore many hats and kept himself very busy. He worked at an egg and dairy farm in Wisconsin before entering the Army. Post Army he worked for a construction company in the building of I-69. He then began working as Production Manager for Firestone Industrial; and remained there for over 37 years. Impressively, Mel maintained part time work schedules at Landrum Implement in Elwood, Baxter Plumbing in Tipton, Heiser Ford in Elwood and Tipton, and he was owner of Sallee Auction Service in Tipton.
In Mel’s spare time he enjoyed Saddle Club, CB Club, and Mid America Thrashing Club, and was president for many years. Mel also enjoyed being involved with his community, and was on the board of directors for Encompass Credit Union. Obviously, Mel was good at managing his time and seemed to keep his family involved in everything he was doing. He of course made time for fun too, and loved sneaking off to go horseback riding, attend horse shows, ride snowmobiles, or go fishing or dancing.
Mel was a very proud husband, father and grandfather. Anyone would tell you he was an incredible man, with a lot of passion for life and family. Whatever he was involved in he gave full effort and encouraged those around him to give their best. A lot could be learned simply by watching Mel work. His signature phrase was, “Damn, I’m Good!” He of course said this jokingly, but his family will tell you that there was a lot of truth to that statement. Mel will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Those left to carry on Mel’s legacy of love are his wife, Arlene Sallee; children, Bart (Kim) McPhearson, Melisa (Tony) Crouch; daughter-in-law, Tracy McPhearson; grandchildren, Derek Hill, Corey (Brittany) Massey, Katie (Loren) Daentl, Shelby McPhearson, Lyndsea Crouch, Morgan McPhearson; great grandchildren, Dylan Hill, Chloe Hill, Lilly Massey, Astrid Massey, Ella, Zeek, Jude & Roman Daentl, Lennon McPhearson, Bailey Boruff, Kinsley Crouch; siblings, JoAnn Kendall, Sue Delph, Jerry (Brenda) Sallee, Gene (Camille) Sallee, Terri Sallee, Betty Sallee, Doug Sallee, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mel was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Orville & Celestine Sallee; mother-in-law, Geneva Peebles; son, Bret McPhearson; brothers, Freeman Sallee, Bill Sallee, JC Sallee, Elvin Ray Sallee; sister, Freda Ward; sisters-in-law, Nancy Dudley, Nina Carrere; and great grandson, Myles Massey.
A funeral service with full military honors will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton with Pastor Jody Brown officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Friday, January 26, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Committal will take place immediately following the service in Tipton’s Fairview Cemetery.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sallee family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Mel with his family on his tribute wall.