Melvin Charles Havener

Visitation:  Friday, June 19, 2020, 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Peterson Mortuary, 212 S. Locust, Glenwood, Iowa.

Services:  Saturday, June 20, 2020, 10:00 A.M., Peterson Mortuary, 212 S. Locust, Glenwood, Iowa.

Melvin Charles Havener, 84 of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Glenwood, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home in Florida. He was born on March 7, 1936 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Gilbert and Eva (Whiteaker) Havener.

Melvin graduated from Glenwood High School in 1954. He joined the National Guard in Glenwood at the age of 16, moved from Glenwood and enlisted into the Navy on August 31, 1954. He faithfully served his country and retired after 20 of dedication. While in the Navy, he was with the South Pole Station in 1957. While at the Antarctic, Melvin was in charge of maintaining the big equipment/machinery and keeping the generators functioning. For his work there, they named a mountain after him, Mt. Havener at the Antarctic. Melvin also spent three tours in Vietnam and was at the Battle of Chu Lai.

Following his Navel career, he moved back to Iowa in 1975 to attend Iowa Western Community College and earned his degree from Buena Vista University. He moved to California in 1980, then to Alabama in 1994 and to Fort Myers, Florida in 1998. Melvin was united in marriage to Waneta North on August 28, 1997 in Fort Myers, Florida.

Melvin was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans, V.F.W., Mason, 32nd Degree with Scottish Rites, Commander of the Sea Bees Veterans of American (Fort Myers Branch) and a loyal member of Assembly of God (Pentecostal). Melvin enjoyed helping other and volunteered for Hope Hospice. His time here was spent serving and being a steward of the Lord. Rest in peace until we meet again.

Preceding Melvin in passing were his parents and sister Betty Schoening. Survivors include his wife Waneta Havener of Fort Myers, Florida, twin daughters Laura and Luana (Bruce Pollard) Havener of Australia; previous spouse, Shirley Havener and their son Charles (Lauren) Havener of Virginia; seven grandchildren: Shannon, Jayden, Brandon, Gloria, Samuel, William and Joshua; great-grandson Elliot; sister Irene Schoening of Glenwood, Iowa; several nieces and nephews: Paul Schoening, Peggy (Tony) Cass, Phillip (Pam) Schoening, Randall (Nancy) Schoening, Craig (Jerrilyn) Schoening, Kathy Anderson, as well as extended relatives and many friends.

Interment with Military Honors, Glenwood Cemetery, Glenwood, Iowa.

A memorial fund has been established.