Melvin H. Prust was born in Ceylon, Minnesota in 1920 and died Friday November 09, 2012. He lettered in four sports and debate in high school, played baseball in the military and semi-pro teams as a pitcher and infielder. He coached many successful teams. He was an avid golfer and recorded two holes-in-one.

Mel joined the Army Air Corps in 1940, serving throughout World War II working in aircraft maintenance. He went on search and destroy missions hunting German U-boats in the Gulf of Mexico and worked with the Royal Netherlands Air Force in exile. Mel spent 33 years working for International Harvester Company in the southern region supplying area dealers with farm equipment. His positive attitude was reflected in his ever-present sense of humor as illustrated by his appearing in the Smiley Anders column countless times under the Thought of the Day.

He was a devoted member of Cedarcrest Baptist Church and thought of the congregation as his second family.

Mr. Prust is preceded in death by four brothers: Emil, Ewald, Marvin and Vernon; parents: Fred and Anna Schmidt Prust; his wife of 63 years: Regina McManus Prust; and son: James "Buddy" Prust.

Surviving family members include a sister: Verna Wickstrom; son: Daryel Prust; grandchildren: Jamie Clark, Kristi Luke and Lindsay Prust; and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Tuesday at Cedarcrest Baptist Church in Baton Rouge from 9:00 a.m. until the religious service at 11:00 a.m., conducted by Associate Pastor, Bob Kelley.

A graveside service with military honors will be at Byrd's Chapel Cemetery of Meadville, MS at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday. Franklin Funeral Home is in charge of the graveside service.