Melvin “Mel” L. Gutierrez

Saturday, November 25, 2023

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL

Saturday, November 25, 2023

12:00 PM

Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL

Melvin “Mel” L. Gutierrez, 88, of Camdenton, MO, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Lake Regional Hospital, in Osage Beach, MO.

He was born on August 7, 1935, in Washington Park, IL, to Floyd and Josephine (nee Visnonski) Gutierrez. On May 1, 1981, he married the love of his life, Linda McElyea, in Alton, IL.

Mel was a United States Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam War, where he served as a Radio Teletype Operator. After serving his country Mel worked for the Shell Oil Company as an operating engineer for 32 years before his retirement.

In his free time, Mel enjoyed working on any type of car, classic or otherwise, as well as watching Nascar and Stockcar races. He also loved to spend his time fishing, it didn’t matter where, as long as it was a body of water Mel would fish there. At home you could find Mel working in his gardens growing fruits and vegetables that he would later turn into salsa, pickles, and his signature BBQ sauce. He was active in the Eagles Club and at one time, president of the Alton Chapter, as well as a volunteer fireman in Bethalto and Hollywood Heights.

Mel loved being with this family above all else. He made time for all of his grandchildren’s sports and events: baseball, football, BMX, boy scouts, and always did his little dance at every soccer game. He was a hardworking man who was always there for his friends and family. Mel was a treasured husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Josephine Gutierrez, and sister, Floretta Gutierrez.

Mel is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Linda Gutierrez; children, Mel (Diane) Gutierrez, Leslie (Jim) Steward; grandchildren, Aimee Gutierrez, Mel Gutierrez Jr., Josh Gutierrez, Eric Brueggman, James Steward III, Joseph Steward, Andy Steward; great-grandchildren, Landon, Alexis, Mariah, Zoe, Lilli, Paisley; sister, Mary Ann Hayes; nieces, nephews, and many loving friends.

Memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research.

Visitation: Saturday, November 25, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

Service: Saturday, November 25, 2023, 12:00 PM, Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

Clergy: Ron Habermehl

Interment: Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL

Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.