Dr. Melvin A. Metzger, 76

SEAFORD - Dr. Melvin A. Metzger, a resident of the Methodist Manor House in Seaford, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007, surrounded by his family during his short illness. He was 76.

Dr. Metzger was born in Baltimore, the eldest child of the late Elsie S. and Melvin L. Metzger.

He was educated in the public schools of Maryland, and served in the U.S. Navy from 1949 to 1953, seeing action in the Korean War. After he was discharged from the Navy, he attended what is now Towson University, earning a bachelor of science in education. Later he earned his master's degree from the University of Maryland, a certificate of advanced study from Johns Hopkins University, and a doctorate in education from George Washington University.

He was a longstanding member of Phi Delta Kappa International.

Dr. Metzger began his teaching career in Baltimore County, Md., teaching math and science at Dumbarton Junior High, and later serving as math-science chairman of the newly opened Deep Creek Junior High School. He next served as the math-science supervisor in Cecil County, Md., and then headed a federal education project for the counties of Kent, Talbot, Caroline and Queen Anne's. He also served as principal of Federalsburg Elementary School in Caroline County and Rock Hall Middle School in Kent County. In Garrett County, he served as elementary supervisor. He retired in 1985 after serving as superintendent of Kent County (Md.) Public Schools. As superintendent, he was especially proud of the fact that the board of education approved his suggestion that the board pay a portion of medical insurance for retirees.

After his retirement, Dr. Metzger was an active volunteer in his church, Christ United Methodist Church in Chestertown, Md. He volunteered as an ombudsman for nursing home residents and prepared taxes for many people through the Tax Aid for the Elderly with the AARP.

He was an active member of the Kent County (Md.) Retired Teachers Association and served as president of the organization for three years. He served as regional coordinator of the Maryland Retired School Personnel Association and was president in 1996-97. As president of the organization, he was instrumental in investing its surplus funds in the stock market, resulting in dramatic improvement in the financial security of MRSPA.

Dr. Metzger was a member of the Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, Seaford.

He enjoyed working in the "mail room" at the Manor House, as well as traveling and spending time with his friends and family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, David W. Metzger; and a daughter, Nancy M. Edge.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Mary Ellen (Dobson) Metzger; a son and his wife, M. Scott and Sharon Metzger of Queenstown, Md.; three grandsons, Christopher B. Edge, Alexander M. Edge and Kevin M. Metzger; a brother, Robert L. Metzger of Charlottesville, Va.; two sisters, Doris M. Poulsen of Stewartstown, Pa., and Patricia M. Brown of Fallston, Md.; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday in the chapel of Methodist Manor House, Seaford.

Burial will be private in Harford County, Md., at a later date.

Contributions may be made in memory of his daughter, Nancy Edge, and sent to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1773, Salisbury, MD 21802.

Arrangements by Cranston Funeral Home, Seaford.