Melvin "Mel" Kimple

Melvin "Mel" Kimple, 96 years of age, passed away peacefully with family at his side March 3, 2023, after a short illness. Melvin “Mel”, a twin, was born in Toledo to Oliver and Martha Kimple on October 25, 1926. His twin, Marvin, did not survive. He was a graduate of Macomber High School joining the United States Navy soon after, serving (WWII) through 1946. His time in the navy was spent on LST1016 moving through the Pacific, Japan and Bikini Island. He was rarely seen without his infamous blue Navy hat which spawned many conversations with newly made acquaintances as a result of his military service and provided many complimentary breakfasts from those who wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Melvin wed Pauline Cole in 1950 and they were married 42 years until her death in 1992. They raised two daughters; Becky (Greg) Breier whom predeceased him in 2017 and Julie (Norm) Shapiro. Norm, Julie and Mel cohabitated together for the last six years, and it was time they will treasure.

Known for his easy-going nature, sense of humor, constant curiosity, and his never-sweat-the-small-stuff attitude, he made friends everywhere he went. Mel loved spending time with his family, especially Grandchildren, Sarah, Nick and Noah. They will miss their “PePa” who never failed to make them laugh. He didn’t miss a sporting event, graduation, or any opportunity presented to be with them.

Mel shared Pauline’s love of travel and never said no to a trip, even making plans to attend a family birthday party in Arizona at the end of this month. He especially loved time spent over many years at the welcoming Round Lake (Breier) home and the Pompano Beach (Shapiro) condo where many happy holidays were spent with family and friends.

Mel would say one down-side of having been blessed with a long, healthy life was outliving so many family members and friends, including all nine of his older siblings. He was predeceased by sisters Mildred, Lucille, Elda Mae and Margaret, and brothers Marvin, Vale, Lloyd and twins, Homer and Hubert.

He worked in construction his whole career starting out as a lather and retiring as a carpenter. He was an active member of Church of St. Andrew United Methodist his entire adult life and treasured his many friends there who supported him through his short illness.

Visitation will be held at Church of St. Andrew United Methodist, (3620 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo) Wednesday, March 8 from 10:30am – 12:30pm with services immediately following. Burial will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park, Toledo.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in Mel’s memory are asked to consider Church of St. Andrew United Methodist and Toledo Humane Society.

…..and please -- enjoy a chocolate chip cookie in his memory today.