Mr. Melvin Clay Montgomery

Melvin was born on February 21, 1930, in Beaver Dam, Kentucky to Ozella and Eula Mae Montgomery. He was the second oldest of 11 children. Melvin enjoyed growing up and making memories with family and friends in his hometown. At the age of 21, he enlisted into the United States Army in 1951 and took part in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956 with the rank of Corporal in the Field of Artillery division (cannons, rockets, and missiles) and received the Korean service medal with two bronze camp stars and the United Nations Service medal.

Melvin later moved to Indianapolis, Indiana and held several jobs including hospital worker, construction, and auto mechanic. He later met Betty Jo Stallion and united in marriage on July 24, 1963, and they raised six children in their forever home on 31st and New Jersey Street.

Melvin was a man of many talents, which included drawing, painting, home remolding, automotive maintenance/repair/detailing, and specifically built a custom dollhouse, outdoor barbeque pit and a two-car garage for his home. He customized an old Indiana Bell telephone van that included painted cartoon characters on the side and an African American Fred Flintstone on the rear wheel cover. Melvin became known as the man with the “Yabba Dabba Do” van! He also enjoyed playing card games, especially spades, growing vegetables and making home brew beer and wine.

Melvin used to walk around the neighborhood with his old golf club while picking up old cans to recycle. The neighborhood kids hated to see him coming because they knew if they were doing something wrong, he would call them out. As they grew into adults, they realized he was a strong black male figure in which they came to love and respect Mr. Melvin.

Melvin enjoyed being the designated chauffeur for all his grandkids. Whether someone needed transportation to and from school or anywhere for that matter, he was there AND was on time if not early! He was an uber driver before uber existed.

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 9:50pm, God let Dad know that his customized mansion was ready for him to move in. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Betty, parents Ozella and Eula Mae, brothers, Odie, Charles, James and Glendon, sisters; Savannah, Cordie, and Virginia, son Keith Benton Sr., and grandson Marcus Ward.

Melvin leaves to cherish his wonderful memories three daughters; Sharon Smith (Donald Sr.), Karen Montgomery and Yolanda Evans, two sons; Robert Stallion (Floree) and Brian Montgomery (Amy), two grandsons; Donald Smith Jr., and Keith Benton Jr., six granddaughters; Tara Riley, Ashlie Mathis (Marcus), Amanda Dedeaux (Rodney), Haley Evans, Breana and Aliyah Montgomery, six great-grandsons; KDreon, Korion, Kameron and Keshaun Benton, Rahmir and Arlo Dedeaux, four great-granddaughters; Kiya Benton, Trinity Ward, Saqarra Prysock and Emiliana Cortes. He is also survived by three sisters: Martine Finch, Clarissa Dean and Thurman Duncan and one sister-in-law Lorraine Talley (Marvin) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and special friends.

A visitation for Melvin will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 PM.