Melvin D. Gray

Melvin D. Gray, 92, a long time Rush and Franklin County resident passed away in Batesville, IN on August 30, 2014. Melvin was born in Fayette County, IN on May 30, 1922 to the late Wendell P. and Roxie (Kennedy) Gray. He was a 1940 graduate of Rushville High School. Melvin was married briefly to Doris Hilmershausen of Wausau, Wisconsin, prior to marrying Ellen Charlene “Pinkie” (Call) on December 23, 1950 and she survives. This first union brought us our beloved daughter, sister, and friend, Judith. Melvin served in the United States Army Air Corps 39th Fighter Squadron and the 5th Army Air Corps during WWII as a Communications Tech in the Pacific theater in the Philippines, New Guinea and Okinawa. He received 8 Bronze Stars and an Asian Pacific Ribbon. Melvin was a graduate of Butler University in 1951 and the John Herron Art Institute, Indiana State and Ball State Universities and received his Master’s Degree in 1960. Melvin taught art classes to children at the Indianapolis Museum of Art while attending John Herron Art Institute. Melvin was written about in an article in the 1960’s magazine Indiana Live. He was an artist and teacher at Rockville, IN from 1951 to 1955 and retired from Rushville Consolidated High School in 1979. He designed the Sr. Circle at Rushville Consolidated High School, was a co-founder of the Homer Arts Festival, a member of the Rush County Retired Teachers Association, a member of the Rushville Masonic Lodge #62, York Rite and the Park County Low 12 Club. Melvin was a past President of the Indiana Arts Education Association and the Art Section for the Indiana State Teachers Association; he was the Rushville Creative Art Association founder, the first Indiana Representative to the National Art Teachers Association, Director of the Rush County Arts Board, and Representative to the Governors Commission of the Arts. In 1999 he received the Rushville High School-Rush County Consolidated High School Distinguished Alumni Award. In addition to his wife, Ellen of Tucson AZ, Melvin leaves behind 2 sons, Jon Alan Gray and wife Louise of Milroy, IN and Warren Jay Gray and wife Sheila of Brighton, TN, 3 daughters Judith Ann Gray of Washington, DC, Marlesa Arlene Gray of Tucson AZ and Lora Jennifer and husband Charles Allen of Metamora, IN, -6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and a sister. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2014, from 2-6 PM (or whenever) at the American Legion, 113 S. Morgan St., Rushville. All attendees are welcome to bring a story about Melvin to share in written form or at the podium. Photographs of Melvin & his art work to display would also be appreciated. A new scholarship fund has been set up in Melvin's name at the Rush County Community Foundation, the Melvin D. Gray Art Scholarship Fund, 117 N. Main St., Rushville, IN. 46173. The family appreciates all the condolences & notes of sympathy they have received since Melvin's passing.

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Melvin D. Gray

May 30, 1922 - August 30, 2014