After graduating from high school, Melvin served his great country in the United States Army for two years from 1958-1959. He was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Fort Benning, Georgia, and Bitberg, Germany. After serving our country, Melvin came home to marry his high school sweetheart, Louise M. Wagner on May 30, 1960 in Saint Barbara Catholic Church in Scheller.

Melvin’s focus in life was his faith, his family, and giving to others. He did so by being a faithful blood and organ donor. As they raised their five children, Melvin and Louise knew the importance of taking them to church every Sunday and the sharing of the good news of Jesus Christ.

Melvin is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Louise Kabat of Scheller and they had five children:  Mark Kabat and wife, Lori (Kryger) of Scheller, John T. Kabat and wife, Marcia (Czerniejewski) of Scheller, Lois Herzing and husband, Bobby of Scheller, Mary Kozuszek and husband, David of Scheller, and Helen (Kabat) Young of Galisteo, New Mexico; grandchildren, Jordan Kabat and wife, Chloe of Saint Charles, Missouri, Brock Kabat and wife, Judith of Louisville, Kentucky, Courtney Kabat of Christopher, Illinois, Jacob Kabat of Saint Louis, Missouri, Erika Kitowski and husband, Avery of Scheller, Alicia Ward and husband, Martin of Akin, Illinois, Hannah Herzing of Nicholasville, Kentucky and fiancé, Drew Atkins, Julia Herzing of Lexington, Kentucky, and Adam, Sarah, and Clara Kozuszek, all of Scheller; and great-grandchildren, Clark and Archie Kabat, and Alden, Austin, and Alivia Kitowski.

In addition to his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by his infant sister, Mary Ann Kabat.

Melvin belonged to the NFO (National Farmers’ Organization) for years. Melvin was awarded Honorary FFA Alumni, he belonged to the Waltonville AMVETS, and he served as a trustee for Bald Hill Township for 20 years. In 1997, Melvin and Louise were awarded the Conservation Family of the Year. In 2020, they were selected to host the Belleville Diocesan Farm Blessing at their farm, and in 2022, Melvin and his wife were both selected as Jefferson County Senior Saints. They enjoyed supporting their kids and grandkids in all endeavors. They enjoyed traveling in the US and abroad.

A Visitation will be held Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Saint Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mount Vernon. Prior to the visitation, a Rosary Prayer Service will be said with family and friends at 3:15 pm. A second Visitation will be held Monday, January 20, 2025 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at Saint Barbara Catholic Church in Scheller. A Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 am at Saint Barbara Catholic Church in Scheller with Father Steve Pautler officiating. Interment will follow at Saint Barbara Cemetery in Scheller. Full Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the American Legion Post #141. Memorials may be made in Melvin’s honor to Saint Barbara Church, Saint Barbara Cemetery, or Saint Mary School.