Bishop Reverend Melvin M. McKibban, of Terre Haute, was born Aug. 9, 1922, in Indianapolis, to Lola P. Abell and the Rev. Zeus M. McKibban. He went to heaven on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008, to be with his Savior. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister; and two grandsons, Freddie Smock and Joshua Beck, who met him when he arrived. Rev. McKibban married his sweetheart, Betty L. Hendrixson, on June 1, 1946, and together they raised five children. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty; his son, Melvin Keith; four daughters, Linda McKibban, Beverly Macklin and husband Bob, Sharon Shake and husband Garry, and Vicki Fortune and husband Nelson; a brother, Ronald McKibban; 17 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.Melvin was a faithful and devoted companion to his wife Betty for more than 61 years, and also a loving and caring father to their children.He was installed as Bishop of Gospel Ministries in Christ International and was a member of Rock Church of the Wabash Valley. Rev. McKibban founded World Outreach Worship Center in 1986, and pastored in the local area for many years. He served his community at local missions, nursing homes, and hospitals as a volunteer chaplain.In September 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II until his honorable discharge in December 1945. While onboard ship, Melvin provided servicemen with Bible teaching and performed the duties of chaplain during wartime. He was discharged as a fireman 1st class.Rev. McKibban is revered and respected in the community and was instrumental in bringing together all races through love and unity for his fellow man, by opening the doors of his ministry. He was committed to his God and gave selflessly and sacrificially to all he knew. He was a man of prayer who easily and frequently touched the heart of God on behalf of those who were in need.We know his love for music continues as he sings and worships his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and received his crown of eternal life in heaven.He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him and loved him, but as a soldier of the Cross of Jesus, he laid aside his own life to benefit others.Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, in Callahan and Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street, with Pastor Hollis Whitaker officiating. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery with military graveside services by V.F.W. Post 982. Visitation will be 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008.
Published in The Tribune Star from 2/21/2008 - 2/23/2008.