Obituaries

July 18, 1941 to April 18, 2019

WINAMAC - Melvin Eugene "Mike" Button, 77, of Winamac, died at 2:10 a.m., Thursday, April 18, at Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac.

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

He is survived by: 
Debra Kay (Frederick) Smidler, St. Joseph, MI, Daughter 
Bunnie Elizabeth (Curt) Daugherty, Star City, Daughter 
Melvin Forrest (Karen) Button, Winamac, Son 
Michael H. Smidler, West Lafayette, Grandson 
Natasha N. Daugherty, Star City, Granddaughter 
Brooke M. (Luke) Rudicel, Rochester, Granddaughter 
Thomas J. Button, Winamac, Grandson 
Kayleen M. Button, Winamac, Granddaughter 
Elizabeth R. Button, Winamac, Granddaughter 
Drake Button, Winamac, Great-Grandson 
Damien Button, Winamac, Great-Grandson 
Geneva McKinley, Winamac, Sister 
Robert (Chris) Smith, Winamac, Brother-In-Law

Proceeded In Death: 
John Melvin Button, Grandson 
Alicia Marie Smidler, Granddaughter 
Dorothy Beaver, Sister 
Betty Polstra, Sister 
Judy Hoover, Sister

Mr. Button was a farmer. He was a founding member of Indiana Pullers Inc. (IPI), and a member of National Tractor Pulling Association. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Winamac. He was a member of the White Dominos Car Club. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sports events. He frequently attended tractor pulls, especially when his nephew Doug McKinley was competing. He competed in many tractor pulls with his Case 700 known as "The Pouncer." He was an avid mushroom hunter and euchre player. He was happiest when surrounded by his children and his grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 23, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. A memorial Service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 24, at the funeral home with Pastor Dave Marty officiating. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens, Winamac.

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