Melvin B. Felton

FELTON -- Melvin B., 92, of Windber and formerly of Richland Township, died peacefully October 6, 2018 at Windber Medical Center. Born March 30, 1926 in Johnstown, son of Bernard and Lily (Haughton) Felton. Preceded in death by his parents, sisters Reeda Felton and Evelyn (Felton) Repp, his loving wife of 59 years, Marjorie (Lehman) Felton and his son, Harley, and daughter, Marjorie Felton-Petry. He is survived by these children, Melinda (Mindy) Wasilewski, married to Albert Wasilewski, Newtown, Pa.; and Darrell Felton of Thomaston, Ga.; son-in-law Dan Felton-Petry of Bent Mountain, Va.; and these loving grandchildren, Kelly (Kevin) Rafferty, Shannon Wasilewski., Derek Felton, and great grandchild, Nicole Rafferty. Also survived by brother, David, and his wife Judy (Causer) Felton and sisters-in-law Evelyn Williams, Marietta, Ga.; Mary Ellen "Billie" Forsha, Lancaster, Pa; brother-in-law Dwight "Buzz" Lehman and his wife Jeanne (Moore) Lehman of Johnstown; and numerous nieces and nephews. Melvin was a 1944 graduate of Johnstown High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from July 1944 to June 1946 as Seaman First Class. He was a baker onboard USS LST 1139, which was part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet scheduled to enter Japanese waters in the first stages of the naval occupation of Tokyo. LST 1139 was the first ship to hit the beach in Tokyo Bay, Japan. Melvin was a baseball, softball, and basketball player, an avid small game hunter, and bowler. And most of all, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. As a longtime member of the Moxham Church of the Brethren, he enjoyed singing in the choir for many years. He had been a Deacon of the church and had served on the board of Trustees. Melvin was retired from the Schmidt Baking Company and enjoyed a second career of driving school bus for the Richland School District. Relatives and friends will be received from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 13 at the Moxham Church of the Brethren, with Pastor Dan Rhodes officiating. Private interment will be held at Richland Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Moxham Church of the Brethren Organ Fund, 536 Grove Ave., Johnstown, Pa., 15963. Or to Windber Woods Senior Living, 277 Hoffman Ave., Windber, Pa 15963. (Windber Woods was formerly the Church of the Brethren Home.) The family is being served by the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.