Melvin L. WhitingBattle CreekMelvin L. Whiting age 94, of Battle Creek, went home to be with his Lord January 15, 2017.  He was born on September 29, 1922 in Chillicothe, Ohio, the son of Ross and Edna (Hurst) Whiting.  Melvin graduated from Clarksburg High School in 1940 and Great Lakes Naval Training, and then moved to Battle Creek, Michigan at the age of eighteen.  He was united in marriage on September 3, 1944 in Battle Creek, to Joann Alexander.  Melvin served from 1943 to 1945 in the Navy during WWII.  He was employed by American Marsh, Vincent Dairy, Swonk's Greenhouse, Greensmith Florist, and then retired after 30 years working for the Kellogg Company.  He was a member of the Battle Creek  Baptist Temple, Battle Creek and Michigan Bow Hunters Association, Grain Millers Union and the Kellogg 25 year club.  Melvin enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, raising flowers, vegetables, and collecting blue glass. Melvin was preceded in death by a sister; Rosalyn Vincent and  a brother; Harold Whiting.  He is survived by his wife; Joann Whiting of Battle Creek, sons; Ed (Carol) Whiting and Martin (Ruth) Whiting both of Battle Creek, daughters; Linda (Russell) Burt of Battle Creek, Brenda (Pat) Sharkey of Bridgeport, Michigan, Ronda (Rick) Saldana of Albion, Michigan, brother; Ronald Whiting of Kalamazoo, Michigan, nineteen grandchildren, twenty eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 19, 2017 at the Battle Creek Baptist Temple with Rev. Lyle Dye and Rev. Ed Whiting officiating.  Interment with military honors to follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to the Battle Creek Baptist Temple.  www.henryfuneralhome.org