Melbern Thomas McGlothlen, 82, of Ottumwa, was taken home on December 31, 2023 by his Father God.

Melbern was born April 25, 1941 at St. Joe Hospital to Maurice and Constance Hiatt McGlothlen. He attended Hedrick Elementary, WJHS, and graduated from OHS in 1959.

Melbern worked briefly in the drafting department at John Deere, then formed a 3 man (Tri-Mac) radio business with his father and older brother Gary. He worked part-time in it until retirement.

As a young adult, Melbern completed the semi-truck driving program at Indian Hills Community College, but preferred to stay close to home. He graduated from the IHCC Culinary Arts and Baking Program, and briefly ran his own donut shop. Mel returned to IHCC one more time and obtained his Associate of Arts degree, graduating with honors in 1981.

After the death of his mother, Mel shared live-in care duties with his sister Maureen, for their father. In his spare time, Mel painted with acrylics and water colors, winning a few art shows. He was always doing something creative and helping out on projects. Mel built a solar oven, won a poster contest, decorated parade wagons, assembled Halloween Costumes, made pinatas, Valentines boxes, carved snow and ice sculptures, set up Christmas light displays, baked and decorated cakes (even wedding ones), won cookie contests, tilled gardens, mowed grass, put up fence, helped everyone move, many times, and moved himself near and to Fairfield for a few years.

Mel was really a home town guy and loved local history and using the Ottumwa Public Library. His interests were diverse. Mel had a Harley (with a side car), a Triumph “original” chopper and then a mini bike. So, he felt it appropriate to join the Christian Motorcyclists’ Association.

Mel briefly had a horse, then collected western wear and hats, but the most “country” aspect of him was his music. Melbern played guitar and sang classic country songs and hymns at jam sessions, community and senior centers and often performed 2 or 3 times a week at churches.

Mel had a custom (made by Ed Bruegge) red model – T – pick – up roadster. He showed it at a couple of local car shows in the 1970s. As he aged, Mel downsized to fuel – economic “baby buggy” cars, and tooled around Ottumwa with his BFFs and favorite dogs.

Mel’s family appreciates the kind people of Ottumwa who befriended him as he suffered from Dementia (diagnosed in 2013) that got progressively worse. The Civil War Roundtable members, staff at Hotel Ottumwa (Lori), Culver’s (Beth), KFC (Amber), Goodwill (Tammy), Walgreens (Pharmacy), Hillside Apartments neighbors, Way of Peace, River View and First Baptist Churches have been standouts during Mel’s decline. After 3 hospitalizations and care at 2 nursing homes, Mel died in Iowa City at the University of Iowa Hospital on New Year’s Eve.

Melbern was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and many of his friends.

He is survived by nieces, a nephew, great-nieces, a great-nephew, cousins, extended family, close friends, caregivers, and some very special nurses.

Inurnment will be at Spencer Cemetery, 3 miles NE of Stockport in Van Buren County, at a later date.