1916
2010
Melvin J. Barchet, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 20, 2010, at the age of 94. Mel was born July 17, 1916, to Albert and Margaret Barchet. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Florence Barchet and four brothers
He was a farmer and school bus driver and was elected German Twp. Trustee/Assessor for many years. When he was Trustee, he was very instrumental in the planning and building of Cynthia Heights Elementary School, completed in 1955. He played a key role in the organization of the German Twp. Booster Club and fire department. He was a member of St. Paul's Church in German Twp., R-Men's Varsity Club and the Eagles.
Mel enjoyed gardening and hunting. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.
He is survived by his son, Ralph Barchet (Betty); granddaughters, Lisa O'Reilly (John) and Barbara Hoover (Bill); great grandchildren, Luke Hoover, Claire O'Reilly, Owen O'Reilly, and Paige Hoover, four nieces and six nephews.
Services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 24, 2010, at Alexander West Chapel, officiated by Rev. Nancy Johnston, with burial at Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Monday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Columbia Healthcare.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 8701 Big Cynthiana Road, Evansville, IN 47720.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 24, 2010
Nothing Beautiful In this World Is Ever Really Lost Those We Cherish Will Always Live On In Memeory.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Deaconess Home Medical Equipment & Infusion Staff
August 23, 2010
Ralph & Betty, Lisa,
I send my sympathy to all in your family. Mel was a great leader in his community. He touched many lives through his coaching. I'm sure he worked with Ralph Simpson, Sr. in helping a lot of boys. My thoughts are with all of you. Ellen Simpson Berberich
August 23, 2010
Kenneth Harville
Ralph, I still remember your father very well even after all these years. I remember him from the times I came to your house as a young boy going to school with you at Cynthia Heights. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I agree with the sentiments expressesd by others who have written in the guest book.
August 23, 2010
Bonnie Garwood
Mel was a friend of my family and also my bus driver. He was always smiling and happy to see us when he opened the door on his bus. He went the extra mile, and always had candy or an orange for us at Christmas. I will never forget the year he ran his route the day after school was out for the summer. He picked up all of his riders and took us to the German Twp. Booster Club for a picnic and ball games. We had hot dogs, potato chips and soft drinks...all at his expense. Afterwards he took us all home...there were quite a few of us kids, as Mel drove a double route back then.
August 23, 2010
Doug "Sammy" Greenfield
Doug "Sammy" Greenfield. I was Mel's young neighbor growing up on Big Cynthiana Rd. Mel allowed me to have the privilege of being his first schoolbus "busboy" which simply meant that I got to sit in the front, open the door, and occasionally share a double cola with him at Bochelmans before we returned to his farm with the bus at the end of the day. I had so many great memories of life around his farm. I will always be greatful that he opened his home to me on so many occasions. The first vehicle that I ever drove was his 1946 Ford gateside farm truck. I could go on and on, but I will always remember my wonderful neighbor and friend - Mel!
August 23, 2010
Terri Graves Blazier
Mr. Barchet was my bus driver also. He was such a nice man; and no one could have had a better bus driver. He had that big smile on his face to greet you every time he opened the door. He has always been a part of the good memories of when I was a kid and will always hold a special place in my heart.
August 23, 2010
Shea Williams
Dear Ralph, Betty and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Take comfort in the knowledge that although it will be a long time, you will see him again! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. If there is anything we can do, please let is know! We love you all!
The Williams'
August 23, 2010
Mary Dobson
Mel was a great guy and will always be remembered by so many as being the best bus driver and a great family man. Keeping all of the Barchet family in our thoughts and prayers.
August 23, 2010
Richard Nixon
Melvin will be deeply missed,It was a great joy to talk with him when I worked at Columbia.He would try to get me to take him to New Harmony.He was a real sweetheart.May God comfort the family in this sad time.
August 22, 2010
John O'Reilly
August 22, 2010
Beverly Burden
Mr Barchet was my bus driver from 1956 to 1964. All of us kids just loved him. On Halloween he always had a small brown bag of candy for us. He will live on forever in the hearts of all children he bussed.
Beverly Burden
August 22, 2010
Pat Brown-Winstead
Ralph, Betty & Family, Sorry to read of your Dad passing. I know you will miss him. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Sincere Sympathy,
August 22, 2010
Kittye Kuester
Mel Barchet was my bus driver who took me to Cynthia Heights in the 60's. Now I teach music at Cynthia Heights and remember those early years fondly. He was a great bus driver and I am glad he had such a long life.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Funeral services provided by:
Alexander Funeral Home-West Chapel2100 West Illinois Street, Evansville, IN 47712
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more