Melvin D. Broadstreet, 91, of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 5:23 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Aspen Trace Family First Senior Living. He was born November 8, 1934, in Cloverdale, Indiana, to Ulys Clay Broadstreet and Nada Mae (Pettit) Broadstreet.
Mel grew up in Martinsville and graduated from Martinsville High School in 1953, where he played both basketball and baseball. After high school, he played on the National Guard softball team and even tried out for a minor league team, though an injury during tryouts ended that pursuit.
Not long after, he met the love of his life, Sally Ann Johns of Ohio. They were married on October 17, 1959—just four months after meeting—and shared 55 wonderful years of marriage until Sally’s passing in 2014. Together, they built a loving home in Martinsville and raised their five children.
Mel dedicated 34 years of his career to Indiana Bell, beginning as a lineman and eventually moving into management before retiring in 1991. In his later years with the company, he was based at the Indiana University campus, a role he especially enjoyed. He was a passionate fan of IU basketball—particularly during the Bobby Knight era—and a lifelong, devoted supporter of the New York Yankees.
Mel treasured time with friends, especially his regular lunches with high school buddies. He and Sally moved to Greenwood in 2010, where he enjoyed living on a golf course, often relaxing on his deck with his dog, Joey, while watching golfers pass by.
Above all, Mel was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Family meant everything to him. He cherished his five children, eleven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Mel is survived by his loving family, who will miss him dearly, including his children: Dianna Blass of Noblesville; Susan Albert (husband Dave Albert) of New Albany; Mike Broadstreet (wife Lindsay) of Bloomington; and Kenny Broadstreet (wife Tiffany) of Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Sally; his daughter, Kathy Olsen; his grandson, Max Broadstreet; his sisters, Judy Wampler and Maxine Collins; and his brothers, Shirley “Bud” Broadstreet and Lester Broadstreet.
Those wishing to honor Mel’s memory may consider a donation to a local humane society, reflecting his love for animals.
2 Responses
So sorry for your loss at this time. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss!! Although Mel was six years older than me ;I was asked to play on the National Guard fastpitch softball team in Martinsville . We dominated both league and tournaments in th Mid and Late 50’s. Mel not only treated me as a teammate but also as an equal despite our age difference .
GREAT guy , mentor, and teammate!!
RIP MEL