Graveside services for William E. Melvin, 82, of Magnolia, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, at Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery, near Frederica. Following the interment, a memorial service will be held at noon at the Magnolia United Methodist Church, with a reception to immediately thereafter.
Mr. Melvin died following a long illness Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at the Delaware Hospice Center.
Born in Sandtown, he was the son of the late Earl C. and Naomi Melvin.
Mr. Melvin was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army.
He worked as an engineer for Diamond State Telephone and Verizon, and retired after 33 years of service. During high school, he received an all sports award for playing basketball, football, and baseball and serving as team caption for all three. He especially loved baseball, and played semi-pro for the Delmarva League and once received a contract to play for the Cleveland Indians.
In his spare time, Mr. Melvin enjoyed square dancing with his wife, boating, and camping. He took his family camping all along the East Coast, and after his children were grown, he went camping in many of the national parks, and also made trips to Alaska, California and Wyoming.
His main interests all included his family. He was truly dedicated to his wife, children and grandchildren, never wanting anything for himself.
Mr. Melvin was a 60-year member of the Magnolia Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir and was part of the Methodist Men group. He also was a member of the Telephone Pioneers.
Mr. Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mildred Melvin of Magolia; two sons, Gary S. Melvin of Felton and Dale W. Melvin of Wyoming; a daughter, Linda J. Thomas of Magnolia; two sisters, Jeanette Gottorf of Milford and Doris Knight of Little Creek; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home, Harrington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Melvin’s name may be made to the Magnolia United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 256, Magnolia, DE 19962; or to the Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
