Melvin J. Crochet, age 78, a resident of Wheaton, IL, died Sunday, February 3, 2013, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. He was born April 26, 1934 in Belle Rose, LA.

Melvin was a career Air Force man, retiring after 20+ years as a Major. He graduated from Aviation Cadets and Flight School in Harlingen, TX. He worked at NORAD Aerospace Command from 1964 until he retired in 1976. While working with NORAD he served in Turkey, in Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada, and in RAF Fylingdale, in England. He also retired from AT&T in 1996. He was well known for his fudge making and family called it "Papa's Fudge".

He is survived by his wife 55 years, Mary Anne L. Crochet; two sons, Matthew J., and Martin A. (Lisa); four grandchildren, Dillon, Christina, Colton and Samantha; five brothers and sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and six brothers and sisters.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2013 from 4-8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Shrine of Christ the King, 27W631 Beecher Ave., in Winfield, IL 60190. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to the American Parkinson Disease Association, National Young Onset Center, 25 N Winfield Rd, Winfield, IL 60190; Masses are also encouraged and appreciated.