Melvin Tapley Sr., 70 of Princeton, passed away Friday, April 14, 2017 at Deaconess VNA Charlier Hospice Center in Evansville.

He was born December 14, 1946 in Sullivan, IN and had resided in Princeton most of his lifetime.

He retired from Whirlpool Corporation in Evansville. He was a member of the Salvation Army in Princeton. Melvin was a proud supporter and coach for Special Olympics, a former coach for Little League and Babe Ruth in Princeton and was an avid fisherman and Indiana University fan.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Janice (Greentree) Tapley; 5 children, LaDonna Dillon (Josh) of Princeton, Jeromie Riley (Shawna) of Mentor, OH, Melvin Tapley Jr. (Lisa) of Boonville, IN, Jody Tapley (Melissa) of Princeton and James Tapley (Dannielle) of Princeton; 17 grandchildren, Connor, Ian, Noah and Mady Dillon, Sabrina, Jacob, Liam and Jude Riley, Hunter and Tabitha Tapley, Jasmine Stuckey, Martin Smith, Mercedes and Hannah Tapley, Emma McKinney, Audrey and Bryce Tapley;  a great granddaughter, Addison Tapley and another great grandchild on the way; a sister, Gale Troy (Jim) of Patoka; his step-father, Jack White of Princeton; and a special friend and brother from another mother, “C W” Walden of Princeton; also several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Tapley; his mother, Virginia (Holland) White; and a brother, Jeff Tapley.

Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2017 at the Salvation Army, 206 South Gibson Street, Princeton, IN 47670, with Capt. Alex Norton and Capt. Ammie Norton officiating. There will be a meal served immediately following the service.

Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton is honored to serve the Tapley family and entrusted with assisting with arrangements.