Thomas Joseph Melvin III, 11 DOVER - Thomas Joseph Melvin III, of Dover, died Thursday, July 3, 2008, at A.I. DuPont Hospital. He was 11. Thomas was born Dec. 7, 1996, in Middletown, N.Y., son of Margaret and Thomas J. Melvin II. He just completed fifth grade and was looking forward to sixth. He was an excellent student who excelled in every subject and was a strong and powerful thinker. He was always asking questions and thirsting for more knowledge and answers. Thomas especially loved history. He was fascinated by his own heritage and wanted to know more about his ancestors and descendants. Knowing he had ancestors from Holland, he enjoying learning about the country and its culture. Learning about new places and cultures made Thomas want to travel and experience all these things firsthand. Thomas had a very unique and funny sense of humor. He loved his sisters and brother. Thomas also loved his two dogs, Bear and Nicky; his fish, Napoleon; and all animals. He was an old soul in an 11 year old body, always looking to make a strong impression on everything he did or asked about. Thomas was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Thomas J. Melvin Sr., Ralph Hempel and Clarence Sondermeyer. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Shawn P. Melvin of the home; his sisters, Emma T. Melvin, Sara Melvin and Paige E. Melvin, all of the home; his grandmothers, Hilda Melvin and Margaret Hempel; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Services will be 8 p.m. Monday at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington, where a visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 7 to 9 p.m.