Melvin Stutzman

Melvin Frederick Stutzman Major, USAF Retired 1935 - 2011 Melvin F. Stutzman, 76, of Gulf Breeze, passed away on July 28, 2011 at his home. Born in Cincinnati OH 5/31/35 to Melvin George and Viola Frances Buken Stutzman, Mel graduated Deer Park High School in 1953, enlisted in USAF cadet pilot training program in 1955, and earned his wings and military commission in 1956. His first combat tour was as an F89-Scorpion fighter pilot in Keflavik, Iceland. He served in many capacities, but was most proud of participating in the POW release at Hanoi in 1973. He was aircraft commander of C130E Combat Talon aircraft stationed at Shaw AFB, SC, then 8th SOS at Hurlburt Field FL until retirement in 1978. While serving in Southeast Asia, he received many awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Distinguished Flying Cross. He married Margaret Elizabeth (Beth) Pearson 1/24/76, and they made Gulf Breeze their home. Here, he embarked on a second career in Real Estate. He loved everything outdoors, especially fishing the Gulf waters. Survivors are his wife Beth, daughter Sally (Bob) Dobosz of Glen Ellyn IL, son Keith of Atlanta GA, grandchildren David, Michael, and Michelle Dobosz and Shawn Stutzman, and a brother Ron (Janina) of Naples, FL. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM on August 8, 2011 with a Memorial Service at 10:30 AM, Inurnment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, or the charity of your choice.

Visitation

Visitation

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Monday, August 8, 2011
10:00 AM

Service

Memorial Service

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Monday, August 8, 2011
10:30 AM

Cemetery

Inurnment

Barrancas National Cemetery
One Cemetery Road
Pensacola, FL