Melvin William Heiniger

Pastor Melvin William Heiniger, age 49, of Kendallville, IN passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at his residence.  Mr. Heiniger was born on July 11, 1971 in Pontiac, MI to Kenneth C. Bowen and Nancy (Morgret) Heiniger.  Mel graduated from East Noble High School in 1988.  He then continued his education at a college in Fort Wayne, IN where he obtained his Journeyman’s license.  On February 16, 2002, he married Shannon Russell at LaGrange Church of God in LaGrange, IN.  He worked in maintenance for JELD-WEN in Ligonier, IN for 17 years.  Mel then worked for his Baskovic Excavating for 2 years.  Next, he handled maintenance duties for Avalon Village Nursing Home in Ligonier, IN.  From 2009-present, he worked as a Diesel Mechanic in LaGrange at 320 Truck Repair.  Mel devoted his life to God and from 2008-present, he was the lead pastor of Green Chapel Redeemed Church in Wolcottville, IN.  He loved fishing, hunting, and being outdoors.  Mel was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and once preached a Sunday Sermon wearing a Cowboys jersey.  He was extremely musically blessed and could play any instrument he held.  Mel was a drummer in a band called “Life Sentence” in his younger years.  The drums were his absolute favorite instrument to play. He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed building various things from scratch.  Pastor Mel served God, his family, his church family, and all who needed him.  Mel always had a smile on his face and open arms to anyone he met. 

Survivors include:
Wife, Shannon Heiniger.
Daughter, Jennifer Ruby.
Daughter, Cheyenne Fowler and Dalton Williams.
Son, Brayton Bowen-Heiniger.
Grandchildren, Amora Fowler, Ezra Williams, and Dante Williams.
Father, Kenneth Bowen.
Father, Bruce Heiniger.
Brother, Ken and Tonya Heiniger.
Sister, Cindy and Chuck Bugert.
Brother-in-law, Roger Russell Jr.
Many nieces and nephews.

Mel was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Heiniger, sister, Velvet Heiniger, and step-mother, Joyce Bowen. 

Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 6:00pm with visitation prior from 12:00pm-6:00pm at Green Chapel Redeemed Church, 050 E. 700 S. Wolcottville, IN 46795. 

Burial will take place at a later time at Greenwood Cemetery in LaGrange, IN.

Officiating the services will be Pastor Rodney Arnett.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family.

To sign the online guestbook or to share a memory of Pastor Mel, visit www.hessfuneralhome.com or find us on www.facebook.com

Arrangements and care trusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of LaGrange, IN.  

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