Melvin E. Downs I, age 88, of Lakeside, MI, passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2021 in Michigan City, IN.

Melvin was born on August 3, 1933 in Michigan City, IN to Melvin and Lillian (Edwards) Downs who preceded him in death.

On October 22, 1971, Melvin married the love of his life, Nancy (Hull) Downs. They have been married for fifty years.

Melvin is survived by his four children, Christine Lain, Michael (Emma Jean) Downs, Terry Downs, and Alan Downs; three grandchildren, Jammie (Danielle) Downs, Jonathon (Sharon) Downs, and Andrea (Dave) Libich; seven great grandchildren, Cody, Hayden, Jordan, Korissa, and Kaitlyn Downs, Noah Dadlow, and Brock Mangold; he also had a very special relationship with his niece and nephew, Kimmy (Bill) Herod Novacek and Ricky (Julie) Novacek; sister, Betty (Art) Schwartz; brother-in-law, William S. Hull V; sister-in-law, Pamela Behnke; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his infant children, Melvin E. Downs II and Melisa Downs; step-mother, Grace Downs; brothers, Gary, Larry, Roger, and infant Jackie Downs; sister, Nancy Fleck; sister-in-law, Jane Hull; and brother-in-law, Wayne Behnke.

Melvin was a member of the Pottawatomi Country Club and the New Buffalo Yacht Club. He loved to golf, his motorhome, his 1959 red Thunderbird Convertible, and enjoyed boating. Melvin retired as a contractor after building hundreds of homes, then became a pilot. He was a licensed IFR multi engine Flight Instructor and flew an air ambulance. Melvin was a retired manager of an air compressor manufacturing business.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michiana Humane Society, 722 IN-212 Michigan City IN 46360.

Family and friends are invited to join the family for a Memorial visitation on January 22, 2022 from 1:00 PM until time of service at 2:00 PM at Geisen-Carlisle Funeral Home, located at 613 Washington St. Michigan City, IN 46360.

Due to Covid-19 precautions masks will be required.

Mel is also survived by his 11 year old cocker spaniel, his beloved buddy “Bailey”.  Bailey never let him out of his sight and laid on his lap most of the day even after he grew into a 43 pound lap dog.  Bailey was a surprise for Mel’s retirement.  A puppy to keep him company and to love him. And that he did.