Melvin Dwayne Broshar

Melvin Dwayne Broshar, 83, of Anderson, passed away Monday, June 19, 2023, at Community Hospital in Anderson as a result of injuries received in a fall at his home.

He was born on December 7, 1939, in Anderson, Indiana. He was the oldest of six children born to Walter Harrison Jr and Mary Adeline (Carpenter) Broshar.

He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1968, achieving the rank of staff sergeant. He worked in electronics and as a trainer in the service.

He was an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) dual master certified technician in automotive and trucks. He had a natural talent for fixing just about anything.

His dream of owning his own business became a reality in 1980 when he bought Nick's Auto Service. He took great pride in training young mechanics and encouraged them to take the ASE tests as well. One of those young employees eventually purchased his business. After he sold Nick's to James and Jennifer (Renner) Miller in 2005, Mel continued working there part time until his passing.

Mel was a long-time member of the Piston Poppers Car Club and enjoyed taking his 1946 Ford Tudor Deluxe to car shows. He developed close friendships with fellow car enthusiasts. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post #127 in Anderson, serving as the Sergeant-In-Arms. He was an avid race car fan who watched every NASCAR and IndyCar race on TV. Mel and Jo also attended numerous races through the years.

There wasn't a western movie or TV show he didn't like and could watch reruns of Gunsmoke every day. He was an avid reader. In his free time he enjoyed researching genealogy. He had a short list of "dad jokes" that were told repeatedly for anyone who would listen.

Mel's greatest legacy was his family. He was extremely proud of how close he was to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was loved, respected and admired by his family. He was a strong and quiet leader. He spent endless quality time with his family camping, boating, racing, at weekly dinners and swimming in their pool. All the grandkids fondly remember passing "Papa's swimming test" to be able to swim in the deep end without a life jacket.

Mel is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Donna "Jo" (Harkes) Broshar, who he was happily married to for 45 years; four children and their spouses, Pamela Jane and Michael Harrison, Patricia Joan Broshar-Foust and Monty Foust, Robert Christopher and Penny (Miller) Broshar and Joshua Jay and Jacqueline (Casto) Broshar. He was a proud papa to Trenton Robert Foust, Brenton Dwayne Foust, Austin Christopher Broshar, Michaella Leigh Watkins, Winter Sky (husband, Ben) Arnold, Aiden James Broshar, Avalsabella Rose Broshar and Lilah Kate Broshar. He has two step grandchildren, Victoria Martin and Dillon Martin. He has five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Raymond Edward Broshar and three sisters, Karen Sue Rollins, Cheryl Ann (husband, Mike) Almack and Diana Jean (husband, Larry) Bookout. He has numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn Kay and Jack Morehead; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Madonna Harkes; sister-in-law, Martha Broshar; brother-in-law, Troy Rollins; brothers and sisters-in-law, Hugh and Norma Jones and Carol and Harold Frye.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, June 23, 2023, at Hersberger-Bozell Funeral Home, 1010 North Main Street, Lapel, Indiana 46051 with his son-in-law, Monty Foust officiating. Burial will follow at Aroma Methodist Cemetery, 16301 East 281st Street, Aroma, Indiana 46031. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the U.S. Air Force and the Anderson American Legion Post #127.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protection League, 613 Dewey Street, Anderson, Indiana 46016.

Online condolences may be shared at www.hersbergerbozell.com.