CLAY CITY - Melvin "Bing" Walter Luther, 95, of Clay City passed away peacefully in his sleep in Union Hospital on February 10, 2025. He was born June 30, 1929, in Clay City to Herman and Bessie (Chambers) Luther.

Bing married Evelyn (Van Horn) West and became a stepfather to Edward West on March 22, 1952. On September 22, 1955 they welcomed a daughter, Rhonda Jean.

Bing was known as a gardener, beekeeper, and hard worker. He worked at Collins Electric before starting his own business, Square Deal Repair. He could point out homes all around the county and recall the water heaters, electrical, and other service he'd done for folks.

When he retired, he stayed busy working on his own property. For many summers folks would stop on State Road 59 and buy his home-grown watermelons and honey using a jar for change and the honor system. During his 80s and into his 90s he served the community as the caretaker for Goshen Park.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Evelyn; siblings, sisters Lela Moss, Lorene Moon, and brother Larry Luther; stepson, Edward West; son-in-law David Huxford; and grandchildren Michael Shawn Huxford, Rena Alexander, and James Huxford.

He is survived by his sister Phyllis (George) Scherb, daughter Rhonda Huxford, daughter-in-law Barbara Lewis West, granddaughters Veda (Jeff) Vester and Angie Huxford (Liam Castellan), grandson Brian West, 8 great-grandkids and 5 great-great-grandkids, and many nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.

Bing once said, "That's what we were put on this Earth for, helping friends." In lieu of flowers, his family ask that you visit with your neighbors.

He has chosen to be cremated and buried in Sink Cemetery next to his wife. A celebration of life will be held on March 22, from 2pm-5pm, Wabash Park Campground, 304 E. CR 650 South, Clay City, Indiana.

Schoppenhorst Funeral Home, in Clay City, has been entrusted with his care.

www.frenchfuneralhome.com