Rush Mellinger

Passed away Friday, May 20, 2016 at the age of 79. He was born April 11, 1937 in Kalamazoo to the late William and Pauline (Rushmore) Mellinger. Rush was united in marriage to Linda Leonard on October 5, 1961. Rush served in the U.S. Navy from January of 1958 until honorably discharged in February of 1962. He served in several countries but met the love of his life, for 54 years, in Long Beach, CA. He loved his family and enjoyed spending every minute with them. He spent many camping trips with his family and friends and especially enjoyed canoeing and hiking with his boys. After retirement with The Upjohn Company for 32 years, he loved and worked every year helping restore the WWII ship, the USS Slater, in Albany, NY to museum status, an accomplishment of which he was so proud to be a part. He was a member of the Destroyer Escort Sailor's Association (DESA) and the National Navy Memorial Association. Rush is survived by his wife, Linda Mellinger; children, Deron (Gail) Mellinger and Marc (Kim) Mellinger; 4 grandchildren, Shannon, Brad, Jenna and Jacob Mellinger; brother, Jim Mellinger; brother-in-law, John Leonard; nieces and nephews; and special friends. Rush was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Jerry Leonard; and sister-in-law, Dorthea Mellinger. Rush, with Linda attended Calvary Bible Church and have enjoyed making many friends and being involved there. A private interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. The family is being served by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 East Centre Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rush's name may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or to West Michigan Cancer Center. For obituary and condolences, please see Rush's personalized page at www.langelands.com.