Ad Astra: Melvin Bringer, 20 February, 2007

MELVIN BRINGER COCOA Melvin L. Bringer went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, after an extended illness. He was born in Angonia, Kansas on January 7, 1926 the fourth of ten children born to Bill and Lena Bringer. After serving his country in Germany during World War II, Melvin began working for Boe ing Engineering Company in Wichita, Kansas and in 1952 he was asked to move to Florida to help with Apollo One at Kennedy Space Center. As he contributed to the NASA Space Program, he also performed maintenance and upgrades to strategic missile sites throughout the United States. He retired from Boeing in 1992. In his spare time, Mel and his wife, Jane, bought and managed The Corner Bar in Cocoa from 1971 to 1976. Mel enjoyed his activities in local service organizations including Charter member of VFW Post #4534 in Rockledge where he was a Life Member and past Post Commander, American Legion Post #22 in Cocoa, AmVets Post #893 in Rockledge, Loyal Order of the Moose #1717 in Cocoa, Eagles in Cocoa and Military Order of Cooties Pup Tent #78. He had a full active life and will be greatly missed. Melvin goes now to join his beloved wife of 49 years, Jane, who preceded him in death in November, 2006. He was also preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, one brother and one niece. Survivors include sisters, Anna Hanson, Willetta Ingram and Dorothy Sutter; a brother, Phillip; seven nieces; seven nephews and many great- nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service and Cel ebration of Life will be held on March 25th, at the Cocoa Moose Lodge at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, it is request ed that donations be made to the Brevard County Heart and Lung Association in Melvin's memory. Wylie Baxley Funeral Home in Rockledge is in charge of arrangements.