Joseph B. Melvin Sr.

FELTON - Joseph B. Melvin, of Felton, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011, at Delaware Hospice Center, Milford. He was 84.

Mr. Melvin was born and lived his entire life on the family farm. He served his country proudly in the US Army during WWII. After the war, he took flying lessons on his GI Bill. Once he got his pilot license, he took his new bride, Gloria, went up in an airplane over the town of Harrington, said their vows, and upon landing, they took off in another airplane with Joe as pilot.

Joe and Gloria were dairy farmers. Joe milked cows for over 55 years, starting as a child. He retired from milking in 1991, selling his herd, but continued to farm until the age of 71. In his spare time, Joe enjoyed hunting and working with wood. On the farm, he built the family home, the barn and other buildings. After retirement, he even enjoyed making wooden watches for awhile.

Mr. Melvin was a charter member of Cedar Grove Wesleyan Church and served on the board for a number of years. He was a wonderful Christian man, who lived what he believed. He will be deeply missed by his church family. He will be remembered as a good husband, father, and grandfather who always put his family first. In addition to his family, he will also be missed by his long time neighbors and friends. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He instilled good values in his children and grandchildren, and was a hard worker but always made time for others.

In addition to his parents, James and Clara Melvin, he was preceded in death by brothers, Oliver, Alvah, James "Luke", and Ira Melvin; and sisters, Althea Baker, Ethel Peterson, Glenda Tribbit, and Dorothy Slaughter.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gloria A. (McNamire) Melvin; sons, J. Blaine Melvin Jr. and wife Evelyn of Little Hocking, Ohio, David L. Melvin of Harrington; daughter, Gail M. Melvin-Sides of Felton; grandchildren and spouses, Heather and Ed Vaccaro, Aaron and Heather Melvin, and Jesse Melvin; and great-grandchildren, Shelby, Anthony, Erin, and Alex.

Services will be 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, where a visitation will be Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Interment will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Sandtown.

Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home, visit our website at www.melvinfuneralhome.com for further information, leave a letter of condolence, or to send flowers.

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