Franklin Melson Sr., 84

BRIDGEVILLE - Franklin Elmer Melson Sr., 84, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2006, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford, Del.

He was born in Bridgevil1e, Del. on June 11, 1922, he was the son of the late Benson Melson.

He was a graduate of the Bridgeville High School class of 1940 and worked for E.I. DuPont Co. of Seaford Del., his entire life retiring after 42 years of service. He was a life member of the Historical Vintage Car Club of Delaware, a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Dublin Hill. He was the former 4-H leader and a member of the WPS Seaford Chapter.

He is survived by three sons, Franklin E. Melson Jr. and his wife, the Rev. Diane E. Melson of Bridgeville Del., Richard C. Melson and his wife, Janice of Wilmington, Del. and S. Mark Melson and his wife, Fannie of Bridgeville, Del. He is also survived by one sister, Betty Lou Swain and her husband, George of New Castle, Del.; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Beatrice Closson who passed away Nov.13, 1994.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Williamson Funeral Home, 311 South Main St., in Federalsburg with the Rev. Diane E. Melson officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will take place at Bloomery Cemetery in Federalsburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Del. 4-H Foundation, 113 Townsend Hall, 531 South College Ave., Newark, DE 19716-2210, or to the Trinity United Methodist Church of Dublin Hill, 4385 Dublin Hill Road, Bridgeville, DE 19933.