MENTONE – Wilvin Teel, 97, formerly of Milford and the Akron and Mentone area, died at 11:05 p.m. Nov. 11, 2012, in Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Milford, where he resided. He was born May 7, 1915, in Fulton County, to Melvin and Hattie Kindig Teel. On Nov. 2, 1946, in Akron, he married Lucille Joy Stutzman Whetstone, who survives in Milford. He and his wife moved to Milford from the Akron and Mentone area in 1984. He graduated from Talma High School and was a grain farmer. He served his country proudly in World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. He had decorations and citations of an Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, American Defense Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and a Purple Heart. He served 44 months on the Pacific Front, surviving the battle of Marianas Islands. He enjoyed repairing lawn mowers, going to garage sales and playing cards. His real passion was always fishing. Also surviving are a daughter, Luana (and spouse Ted) Myers, Indianapolis; a son, Jim Teel, Rock Island, Ill.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Denny Teel; a stepson, Bill (and spouse Susan) Whetstone; a sister, Ruth Noe; a half sister, Mildred Harrold; and three brothers, Hershell, Ransford and Wilford Teel. Services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with the Rev. Amber Karkosky-Litten officiating. Burial will be in Mentone Cemetery with military rites by members of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Calling is from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 501 E. Arthur St., Warsaw, IN 46580 Condolence may be sent via www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com
