Melvin Eugene “Mike” Button

July 18, 1941 — April 18, 2019

Melvin Eugene “Mike” Button, 77, of Winamac, died at 2:10 a.m. Thursday, April 18, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac. 

Mike was born July 18, 1941, in Winamac, to Forrest Melvin and Elizabeth Verona (Sera) Button. He married Cleta Sue Smith on Dec. 1, 1962, in Winamac. Cleta survives. 

Mike was a farmer. He was a founding member of Indiana Pullers Inc. (IPI), and a member of the National Tractor Pulling Association. Mike was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Winamac. He was a member of the White Dominos Car Club. 

Mike enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sports events. He frequently attended tractor pulls, especially when his nephew Doug McKinley was competing. Mike competed in many tractor pulls with his Case 700 known as “The Pouncer.” He was an avid mushroom hunter and euchre player. Mike was happiest when surrounded by his children and his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife Cleta Sue (Smith) Button of Winamac; daughters: Debra Kay [Frederick] Smidler of St. Joseph, Michigan and Bunnie Elizabeth [Curt] Daugherty of Star City; son Melvin Forrest [Karen] Button of Winamac; grandsons: Michael H. Smidler of West Lafayette, and Thomas J. Button of Winamac; granddaughters: Natasha N. Daugherty of Star City, Brooke M. [Luke] Rudicel of Rochester, Kayleen M. Button of Winamac, and Elizabeth R. Button of Winamac; and great-grandsons: Drake Button of Winamac, and Damien Button of Winamac; sister Geneva McKinley of Winamac; and brother-in-law Robert [Chris] Smith of Winamac. 

He is proceeded in death by his parents Forrest Melvin and Elizabeth Verona (Sera) Button; grandson John Melvin Button; granddaughter Alicia Marie Smidler; and sisters: Dorothy Beaver, Betty Polstra and Judy Hoover. 

Visitation was Tuesday, April 23, from 3-8 p.m. at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, at Frain Mortuary, with Pastor Dave Marty officiating. Burial will be in McKinley Memorial Gardens in Winamac.

Memorials may be given to the Alicia Marie Smidler Animal Rescue Fund (AMS).

(Pulaski County Journal — April 24, 2019)

Pulaski County Journal

114 W. Main Street
Winamac, IN 46996

(574) 946-6628
 

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