Melville Pope Windle

Melville Pope Windle, 91, of Owensboro passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at his home. Born April 16, 1926 in Huntington, WV. His parents were the late James Goyne Windle, II and Gertrude Young Windle. Mel served in the United States Army Air Corps in World War II as a waist gunner. While serving in Italy as a Staff Sergeant he met and married his first wife, Clotilde E. Bertolini of Philadelphia. Mel attended The University of Washington for two years. He transferred to the College of William and Mary where he received a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Juris Doctor degree. Mel's career began as a claims adjuster for Nationwide Insurance. While working at Transamerica Insurance he earned his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation. Mel was Senior Vice-President and General Counsel with Transamerica before moving to 20th Century Insurance (now 21st Century). He retired from 20th Century Insurance as President & Chief Operating Officer.

Mel was a member of the Virginia State Bar. He was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the National Highway Safety Advisory Committee. He was a Third Degree member of Council 3673 of the Knights of Columbus in Morrisville, PA. Locally, Mel was a member of St. Stephen Cathedral, served as board member for The Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club, Owensboro Health Foundation, Owensboro Country Club, Owensboro Catholic Schools, and on the Finance Committee of St. Stephen Cathedral. He was also a Kentucky Colonel. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Clotilde E. Bertolini Windle; his sister Trudye Y. Windle; and his brothers William Patrick Windle and James G. Windle, III.

Mel is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 32 years Margaret Carroll Windle, children Christopher M. Windle (Janet Naito) of San Francisco, Kevin Bertolini of Huntington Beach, CA, Brian J. Windle of New York City, Lisa Windle Marshall (Lawrence) of Richmond, VA, Jefferson T. Sorley of Owensboro, Michael J. Windle (Lauren) of Louisville, and Kayla M. Windle of Owensboro; his grandchildren Shawn Windle (Erica), Ryan Windle, Reed Windle (Kiera), Emily Marshall, Jack Marshall, Lauren Marshall, Sofia Sorley, Pierce Sorley, Dash Windle, and Stella Windle; and his great-grandchildren Brayden Windle, Karlie Windle, and Sarah Kasprzyk.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Comfort Keepers, especially Mel Bryan and Paula Wright, special caregiver and friend Billy Higdon, Dr. Patrick Gipe, Dr. Satish Shah, Dr. Albert Mercer, and Hospice of Western Kentucky.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 21st at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, where prayers will be said at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass, celebrated by Rev. Jerry Riney, Rev. John Vaughan, and Rev. Suneesh Mathew, will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22nd at St. Stephen Cathedral. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club, the Daniel Pitino Shelter, St. Stephen Cathedral Capital Campaign, or the charity of one's choice. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.glenncares.com.