Melvin J. Hinrichs: 1967 – 2011
Melvin J. Hinrichs (aka Nevaeh Blue), 44, a resident of Fort Wayne, passed away unexpectedly at 12:42 a.m. on July 24, 2011, at St. Joe Hospital.
Melvin was born on July 14, 1967 in Whitley County, a son of James and Pam (Wilson) Hinrichs. He spent his youth in Churubusco graduating from Churubusco High School in 1987.
He belonged to Fort Wayne Pride and was attending Brown Mackie College of Fort Wayne.
The surviving relatives include his mother; three children; two brothers Kent A. and Matthew D. Hinrichs both of Huntington; a sister Daylene Acthsion of Ossian; Several nieces and nephews; and one grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his father James Hinrichs on April 4, 2006.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. on Friday, July 29, 2011, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Corinne K. Boruff, pastor of Churubusco United Methodist Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 8 p. m. on Thursday and from 11 to start of funeral service Friday at the mortuary.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the family.
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To leave an online condolence for the family in Mr. Hinrichs’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
July 24th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
I was at pride fest last night and saw Nevaeh perform. She is very amazing, and seems like she was a loving person. The Hinrichs family and close friends are in my prayers. R.I.P Nevaeh. Forever gone, but never forgotten <3
July 25th, 2011 at 12:41 am
Mel was an amazing man who never failed to make me smile. His performances always lifted me up and brought a smile to my face. He was beautiful, talented and kind. God has gained an amazing angel, rest easy and I can’t wait to see your smiling face again one day. My prayers go out to the Hinrich family, may God send you strength. You will never be forgotten darling Nevaeh Blue.
July 25th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I was at pride and saw her last performance. My first time seeing her perform. She was very fun on stage. It was shocking and sad to hear about this tragedy. I have the video of her last performance on youtube.
July 25th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Melvin was a wonderful person. He was a dear friend for the past 3 years. Melvin and I would have endless facebook chats and phone conversations. He always gave me great advice. He will truly be missed. My prayers go out to the Henrich family.
July 25th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Rest in peach Mel may god be with your family.
July 25th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
I met Mel about five years ago and always thought he was such a good guy. I appreciated getting to know him over the years and keeping up with his aspirations for the nursing field. He was loved by so many and will be truly missed!
July 25th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Melvin was one of the most amazing people, I have known. I always called him Mel as I’m sure many others did as well, He was always there for you when you needed him, and went out of his way for you if you needed a ride or just someone to talk to. This is a lesson i will cherish and keep with me for the remainder of my life. Mel touched my life in such a way that whenever I thought of him, or even saw him I would get the biggest smile on my face. Thanks Mel! My prayers also go out to the family as well as all his friends.
July 26th, 2011 at 1:07 am
May we lift up, in Christ, a person I did not know. But what I do know is that there was a brave and energetic soul that manifested himself as a performer. Fear could have had him hide, but it did not. May Mel’s light shine on for all to see, especially all of those who really need to see it. I also embrace Mel’s family today. May this time of loss be one full of sharing love and memories. And may God embrace each of their hearts and be sure that their loved one is now in the presence of our one true Redeemer.
Michael McCormick
FW Pride Volunteer
Holy Redeemer Catholic Community Member
July 26th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Mel was a student of mine in two classes at BMC. He was a funny writer and I loved grading his papers and short stories. I also had Mel in speech class. Again, he was well-prepared and fun. I saw Mel in June. I shall miss him. He was one of those students that stay with you. I offer my condolences to the family, his friends and to those of us at BMC. Mel will be missed.
July 26th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Mel
may you rip you will be missed and my heart goes out to the family as well
July 26th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
I was absolutely shocked and stunned when my sister, Connie Phillips, telephoned me with the news of Mels passing. I met Mel several years ago while visiting my sister in Ft. Wayne. We hit it off right away. He was so easy to get to know as he shared life with his friends. When I met him he was working at a pizza place, going to school for nursing while caring for his mother. I never saw Mel perform because every time I was visiting he was not scheduled. When he started to perform he sent me a picture of himself as “Anita Lay”. I laughed and told him to keep his day job. He laughed as well. We maintained a long distance friendship and I would see him whenever I was in Ft. Wayne. I will miss Mel as I know his family and friends will. I wonder why some are chosen to leave so soon. 44 is much too young but Mel has left us and I know God must have wanted Mel home becasue he missed him as we now do! I will always remember and miss Mel. My condolences and prayers are sent to all Mels family and friends. RIP Mel.
July 27th, 2011 at 10:32 am
I had the privilege of enrolling Mel into college and working with him for almost 3 years. He was one of my favorite students. I treasured his sense of humor and his passion for his studies. I will never forget the time I got in the elevator one night and was greeted by a strikingly tall lady in a nursing uniform. I stood next her silently as people often do in elevators. When we both reached the 3rd floor the tall striking nurse turned to me and got an inch away from my face and then I realized it was Mel. I asked what he was dressed up for and he just responded with a smile and said , ” I have a presentation to give tonight in class”. I later found out he aced that speech and got an A in the class. Sometimes I think Mel waited by the front door waiting for me to come to work just so he could say something sarcastic to me and make me laugh. Characters like Mel do not come around often and I will miss him everyday. My heart goes out to his family.
July 27th, 2011 at 10:58 am
My dearest sympathies go out to the immediate Hinrichs family in this time of loss. Mel was my cousin and along with his brothers, Kent and Matthew, I recall the many family reunions where we would be with Grandma and Grandpa Hinrichs and play and have fun together. Gone is the childhood but the memories will always be there. Mel left us way too soon but I am sure he is up in heaven now, along side his father and Grandma and Grandpa Hinrichs. RIP Mel and may God bless all the family and friends in this time of grief and loss.
July 27th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
I have known Mel for many years, I worked with his mother. He was always a pleasant and friendly guy. I am sure he will be missed by all. My condolence goes out to Pam and the rest of his family and friends. RIP Mel.
July 27th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
Mel’s mother, Pam, coached me in softball many years ago. I have known this family for a long time.
I was shocked when I received news Monday of Mel’s passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Pam, and your entire family. I pray that God will comfort you with His amazing presence during this time.
July 27th, 2011 at 11:25 pm
Mel was one of those bullied kids in school who had a terribly hard early life due to a few cruel classmates. I am glad to see that he grew up to become a shining example of “It Gets Better” … even though it was a better life that was cut way too short.
Growing up in a town where labels acquired early last a lifetime and a last name determines your social status, more or less, I remember him as the charismatic kid with a quick smile and spirited determination to not accept the limitations that others wanted to place upon him.
July 28th, 2011 at 8:20 am
Mel was an amazing, inspiring, positive person that would light up your day! I will miss my talks with him. RIP Mel, love you honey! My thoughts and prayers are with the Hinrich’s family! Pam, I’m thinking of you during this time. Just remember he is with Gma now and looking over you and the kids!
July 28th, 2011 at 11:06 am
I met Melvin at Brown Mackie. On our first day, he walked right up to me, and said Hi I’m Melvin and I’m gay. After that we were friends from then on. He was a wonderful person. He was full of life, and he always tried making you smile even though you didn’t want to. He was a great friend that helped me with my home life, and I thank god that he was there for me. I love you Melvin, and I know in my heart that your right next to god. Save me a seat. I would also like to say how sorry I am for the family’s loss. He was the perfect friend.
July 28th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
To the Hinrich family…I was shocked to hear of Mel’s passing. He was a good guy. I remember when his mom (Pam) introduced me to him. We had some very long talks when he first came out. I never got to see him perform, but heard he was great. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family. I know how it feels to lose a family member long before we believe they should go, but God has his plan for us all…
July 28th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Mel & I went to school with one another and was involved in all sorts of extra-cirricular activities such as marching band, theater, etc. Mel was always an underdog and struggled along with many of us to fit in. Sometimes his feelings would be hurt but he always managed to bounce back up with a smile, somehow knowing that he had a better life waiting for him outside of high school.
I am so glad that he went on to find that life and the confidence to embrase it and share it with so many. He was a good soul and a great friend in school. I am proud to have known him, stand up for him, and belong to that same “underdog” click throughout school.
July 28th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
To the Hinrichs family, my thoughts are with you in this very difficult time. There are just no words that I can offer up that could possibly take away any of the pain that you are feeling (and will continue to feel).
Mrs. Hinrichs – you should be very proud of the son you raised – he has obviously made a positive impact on many people.
July 28th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
So sorry to hear of Melvins passing. He and I shared many a laugh working at Mcdonald’s. My prayers go out to Pam and his entire family. Rest in Peace Melvin, you will be missed.
July 29th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Melvin’s memory is a keepsake with which you’ll never part. God has you in his keeping. I have you in my thoughts and prayers.
March 8th, 2012 at 1:06 am
I was very upset to hear that Mel had passed away. I had no idea, until just a few days ago. We were fairly good friends for a short time. He was a great person who would do anything he could to help another person. He was always cheerful to me when I was feeling down. I will miss him very much. Rest in Peace friend
August 12th, 2012 at 5:40 am
I just found out yesterday that my friend Mel passed away about a year ago from another gay friend of mine, Mel invited me several times to after dark to watch him perform but because of time constraints I was not able to go. I regret that to this day! Mel and I sent plenty of emails talking to each other and I enjoyed each and every conversation with him, I agree with the one post growing up gay in a small town like churubusco is not easy but like Mel knowing who we are as men is half the battle.
To his family I send my love to them and I thank them for allowing me into their home so I could spend a couple wonderful nights with this loving man, Pam you raised a wonderful son and I will miss him as I am sure you have been this last year. Mel did prove it does get better as I was bullied just like him by my class mates, besides being gay men we had that in common as well.
I wish to thank Mel, Pam, and his brother for being so accepting of me when I was there for that short time, you are truly a special family! I can honestly and truthfully say I loved him and will be missing him terribly as I have been so much!