Melvin J. Sunderman, 86, passed away March 5, 2009, in St Johns Medical Center. He was born February 22, 1923, in Mill Creek, Missouri. He moved to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, at the age of 2. He went into the Air Force in 1941, and served in the European Theater until 1945. On April 8, 1953, he was married to his wife of 55 years, Louise Stricker. They had three children, Joe (Donna) of Springfield, Cathy Schwegel (Tom) Nesbit, Miss., and Mary of Springfield, Mo.; there are four grandchildren and one great-grandson. He is also survived by one brother, Victor; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by eight brothers and one sister. Mel was active in the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight, District Deputy and he was the faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree. These positions were served in both Springfield and Cape Girardeau. Mel was also a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 676, serving as Commander for two years. Visitation will be held in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, on Sunday, March 8, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service starting at 6 p.m. Funeral mass will be Monday, March 9, 2009, at 10 a.m., in St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, officiated by Msgr. Thomas Reidy, with burial in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Mo. Arrangements are under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Building Fund, 2200 West Republic Road, Springfield, MO 65807.