Melvin Cryder

October 1, 1919 - February 19, 2007

Melvin A. Cryder, 87, of 1305 Doran Circle, Boone, Iowa, passed away at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa on Monday afternoon, February 19, 2007. He was born on October 1, 1919 in Boone County, Iowa the son of John and Myrtle (Hitsman) Cryder. On October 7, 1940 he married Maxine Cottington at the bride’s home in Jackson Township. Melvin was educated at Jordan Consolidated School, graduating in 1937. He was a veteran of World War II, leaving with his National Guard Unit in 1941 where he served at Camp Claiborne, LA, Fort Dix, NJ, Northern Ireland and was in battle in North Africa and Italy. At the time of his discharge in 1945, he was a First Sergeant with Service Battery 185th F.A. Battalion, 34th Infantry Division, also known as Red Bull Division. Following the service, he began working for his father in the well drilling business. Later, he and his brother, Bob, had their own well drilling business until the 1960’s when Melvin retired. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion. When in good health, he enjoyed fishing, playing pool and patronizing the VFW club. His parents, 2 brothers, Hubert and John R. (Bob), 3 sisters, Edith Irving, Neva Cryder, and Lois Gaskill, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Maxine, of Boone, IA, 1 brother, Donald (Ellen) Cryder of Ames, IA, 1 sister, Alice Flockhart of Boone, IA, numerous nieces and nephews. The body has been cremated. There will be no visitations. Memorial graveside services with full military honors will be held at a later date at Squire Boone Cemetery, south of Boone, Iowa. Stark-Welin Funeral Directors in Boone, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.