Melvin Richard Sedam
Melvin Richard Sedam, 86, of Carmel, Indiana departed this life on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Melvin was born August 17, 1936 at home near Benham, Indiana to James Melvin & Eunice (Linkmeyer) Sedam. He grew up in Ripley County and while attending Cross Plains High School he met his future bride of 67 years, Janice L. Vogel.
He attended Ball State University where he earned his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Physics while participating in the R.O.T.C. Program. Melvin then proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for three years attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. While serving, he received additional education as a meteorologist sponsored by the Air Force at St. Louis University. He was then assigned to the 3rd Weather Wing at Offutt AFB, Nebraska.
After the Air Force Melvin started his career with IBM. Instilled with an excellent work ethic, he was promoted to the level of Sr. Systems Engineer. Through the years he serviced many major accounts such as Delco Electronics, Eli Lilly, and Purdue University receiving many accolades, awards and letters of appreciation. When Melvin retired from IBM, he returned to his Alma Mater to earn his Master’s Degree in Computer Science.
Melvin was a dedicated and faithful husband and father making sure that he always provided for his family. He was very proud of his family, especially that all of his children and grandchildren graduated from college. One of his greatest joys was being surrounded by his loved ones, immediate and extended.
He also had a keen interest in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and, during race season, worked on the Safety Patrol “Yellow Shirts” for 42 years achieving the rank of Gold Badge. For a few of those years he performed timing & scoring duties during the Indy 500 from the Pagoda for USAC.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Janice L. (Vogel) Sedam; devoted children, Jackie (Jerry) Salluom, Jeff (Bethann) Sedam, and Trisha (Dave) Worthington; grandchildren, Lindsay Carmack, Tyler Sedam, Kyle Sedam, Sydney (Ryan) Honens and Taylor Worthington; sister, Audrey (Victor) Buente and a host of nieces and nephews.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, James Melvin & Eunice (Linkmeyer) Sedam and his siblings Inez (Edwin) Smith and Marion “Sonny” (Eva) Sedam.
Visitation for Melvin will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 17th at Leppert Mortuary – Carmel Chapel and conclude at time of funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment follows at 3:00 PM at Cross Plains United Methodist Church Cemetery in Cross Plains, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Melvin’s name to the charity of your choice that focuses on Alzheimer’s Disease.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuarycarmel.com for the Sedam
