Mr. Melvin "Mel" Lawrence Swango, 67, of Rochester, passed away at 2:49 PM, Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at Woodlawn Hospital. On September 26, 1948, Mel was born in Rochester, the treasured son of Melvin Earl and Norma Jean Bishop Swango. Growing up he shared his childhood with three brothers: Randy, David and Steve. With great Zebra pride he graduated from Rochester High School in 1966. Later he went to International Business College and graduated with an Associates degree in business. Mel and Frankie L. Swope Willard were married March 8, 1986 in Rochester. Together they shared 29 years of life's adventures. As a self-employed insurance agent, for 28 years Mel owned the Swango Insurance Agency from 1982 - 2000. A history buff, he enjoyed reading about Indian and Civil War history. He especially was interested in the author's works of Shelby Foote and Tom Clancy. As an arm chair athlete Mel cheered for the Indianapolis Colts and I.U.'s crimson and cream Hoosier Basketball team. Saturday mornings brought on the tradition; breakfast at Teel's. As a grill master, he cooked burgers, hot dogs and steaks to perfection. Paramount in Mel's life was his loving family. As a grandpa, he proudly oversaw four generations. A favorite past time was simply admiring the grandchildren, observing their habits or helping them bait their hooks. They all enjoyed many adventures camping out under the star lit skies as Grandpa Mel captivated his family with his uncanny ability to story tell. He and Frankie were the kids and grandchildren's number one cheerleaders, rarely missing a sporting activity or school concert. They also enjoyed many country drives, simply tooling around enjoying the views. Holidays, birthdays and other family celebrations, Grandpa Mel looked forward to being with family and sharing many good times, making memories. Mel is lovingly remembered by his wife, Frankie; a daughter, Valerie Willard Hammel and husband Eric; four sons: David Willard and wife Jeanine Spradling Willard, Chad Swango and wife Misty Johnson Swango, Andrew Swango, Jeremy Swango and wife Kellie Urban Swango, all of Rochester; 13 grandchildren: Merissa Spradling, Chad R. Swango, Zachary Hammel, Robin Swango, Josh Swango, Aubrey Willard, Amber Willard, Elizabeth Swango, Noah Swango, Jakeb Hammel, Aaron Swango, Eli Swango, Ashli Swango; two great grandchildren: Emma Spradling, Blake Gray; two brothers: Steve Swango of Virginia Beach, VA and David Swango and wife Debbie of Rochester; a sister-in-law, Cindy Swango of Plymouth and several nieces and nephews. Preceding Mel in death are his parents and a brother, Randy Swango. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.