Melvin "Mel" Critchlow
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Melvin "Mel" Critchlow,83, passed away at the home of his wife on Monday August 23, 2021, following a lengthy illness. A memorial celebration of life will take place on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at his wife's home in Hattiesburg, MS.
Melvin K. Critchlow was born April 7, 1938 to Homer Jesse Critchlow and Irene Virginia Walters Critchlow in Peoria, IL. He graduated high school at Arsenal Tech in Indianapolis, IN. Melvin served and retired from the U.S. Navy, including tours in the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he worked for and retired from the Dept. of Agriculture in New Orleans, LA. Melvin married Lavera in June of 2006and split his time between the farm in Franklinton, LA and his wife's home in Hattiesburg, MS. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church and served for a few years in the Knights of Columbus. Melvin was preceded in death by his first wife, Katricie Critchlow; a daughter, Veronica Critchlow; his parents, Homer and Irene Critchlow; and two sisters, Sherlon Clemmon and Nancy Jo Rungen.
He is survived by his wife, Lavera Critchlow of Hattiesburg; his son, Michael Critchlow of Algiers, LA; three sisters, Phyllis Belser, Myrna Moore, Kathy Reese, all residing in Indiana; two step-children, Elizabeth Catlett (Jerry Carson) Marvin (Carla) Catlett, both of Hattiesburg; three grandchildren, Thomas Catlett of Phoenix, AZ, Lorenzo Catlett, Carlo Catlett, both of Hattiesburg, MS.