Melvin Thomas Neargarder

Melvin Thomas Neargarder, 71, of Tuskegee, died Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Jackson Hospital after a brief illness.  A memorial service will be held on February 16, 2020, at 3:00 P.M. at Corbitt's Funeral Home with Chaplain Mark Springer officiating.  Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 2:00 P.M.  Mr. Neargarder is survived by his son Mark Neargarder; his siblings Jack (Sue) Neargarder, Diana (Frank) Timko, Joyce Neargarder, Wanda (Gary) Sweatt, and Faye Ann (Kevin) Barry; his brother-in-law Jerry Keller; his ex sister-in-law Sandy Neargarder; his treasured friend Evelyn Swader Barker; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his wife Peggy Lee Neargarder, his parents Walter and Florentine Neargarder, and his sister Arlene Keller. Mel was a great father and mentor to Mark, and a great brother.  After proudly serving his country in the Vietnam War in the U.S. Air Force, he worked for many years as a heavy equipment mechanic and much of that time was at Thompson Caterpillar.  He loved to farm, plant deer plots, and check game cameras.  He enjoyed working in his yard especially working with flowers and roses.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lights of Love Christmas Tree Lighting at Jackson Hospital, 1725 Pine St., Montgomery, AL 36106.