TAMPA, Fla. — Walter T. “Whitey” Mellinger, 84, Tampa, and formerly Fishers, died Oct. 5, 2009.

Mr. Mellinger was self-employed as an excavating contractor, working many years in the Fishers and Castleton area.

He was born July 26, 1925, in Jamestown, Ind., the son of Arthur and Ella Mellinger.

He attended George Washington High School in Indianapolis.

He was married to Shirley Mellinger for 58 years. She survives him.

He enlisted at the age of 17 in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee during World War II. He was part of the 72nd Naval Construction Battalion and the U.S. 56th Construction Battalion, serving several of the South Pacific Islands, primarily Guam. He was honorably discharged and received a victory medal and a good conduct medal.

Mr. Mellinger was a life member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in both Fishers and Tampa. He was also a member of the Fishers Masonic Lodge No. 533, Fishers Lions Club and Scottish Rite of Indianapolis. He was a past worthy patron of Fishers Jobs Daughters and was involved with the Fishers Boy Scouts.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children and their spouses, Peggy and Jeff Wier, West Lafayette, Ind., Jean and Shane Muir, Noblesville, and Dean and Ann Gent Mellinger, Indianapolis; four grandchildren, Natalie Muir, Ross Muir, Stacie Muir and Katie Wier; a sister, Alice Kinser, Whiteland.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, George, Robert and Russ; and one sister, Mary.

Calling will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Randall&Roberts Fishers Mortuary with services immediately following. Burial with military rites will be in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Riley Hospital for Children, the Ronald McDonald House, or Shriner’s Hospitals.