Melvin H. Drudge Jr.

Gary, IN

September 2, 1941-October 14, 2022

Melvin H. Drudge Jr., age 81, of Gary entered eternal life on Friday, October 14, 2022.

He is survived by two daughters: Allison (Michael) Galich and Regina (Kevin) Swivel; former wife and mother of children, Diana Drudge; 5 grandchildren: Ashley (Dustin) Harris, Brandy (Robert Bentley) Galich, Christy (Juan) Galich-Gonzalez, Hannah Swivel and Hunter Swivel; 5 great grandchildren: Kaydence Harris, Shyann Gonzalez, Damienn Gonzalez, Lilly Bentley, and Gracie Bentley; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin H. (Helen) Drudge Sr.; brothers, Robert H. Drudge and James Drudge.

Friends are invited to join the family for a time of visitation on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Bocken Funeral Home 7042 Kennedy Ave. Hammond, IN 46323. A funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Nathan O'Brien officiating. Private cremation will follow.

Mel grew up in Gary and was a graduate of Calumet High School Class of 1960. He was retired from Consolidated Fabrications and Constructors as a boilermaker after many years. Mel loved hunting, fishing, and trapping. He was a big fan of Purdue Basketball. He enjoyed spending time at the Tippecanoe River with family and friends.  Mel will be missed by all who knew him.

For more information you may call Bocken Funeral Home at (219)-844-1600, or www.bockenfunerals.com