MELLOTT, William J. Buckwheat
Source: Panama City (Florida) News - Friday Morning 14 September 1956 p 1
The Anderson Herald - Friday 14 September 1956 p 8 Veedersburg, Ind. Sept 13 - William J. (Buckwheat Bill) Mellott, 96, who built his own coffin 17 years ago and called it "fit for a king" died today in a Waynetown nursing home. He will be buried Sunday in the finely finished box of native hardwood. The interior is custom upholstery he had made by a coffin manufacturing firm. Mellott, retired carpenter and farmer, earned his nickname 40 years ago by serving buckwheat pancake feasts, using flour ground in his own small mill. After Mellott's death Charles Fishero got the coffin out of storage at his funeral home. Inside he found the suit and other clothing in which Mellott wanted to be buried. Mellott is survived by four children.
Thanks to Ginny A for this great one -- I LOVE IT :) kz
Addition 11-28-2018 to this one
Source: Daily Banner, Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana 14 Sept
1956
Veedersburg, Ind – William J. Mellott, 96, who died Thursday in a
Waynetown nursing home, will be buried in a home-made coffin be built 27 years
ago. Mellott also left clothing for the burial and complete funeral
instructions. Mellott, a carpenter, built the coffin for reasons given in the
text he left for his funeral: “Let all things be done decently and in order.” I
Corinthians 14. Funeral director Charles E. Fishero said Mellott “started
making the coffin 1929 in his own workshop behind his home.”