Elbert L. Melvin Sr., 67

FREDERICA - Elbert L. Melvin Sr. of Frederica died Saturday, July 21, 2007, in Heartland Hospice House, Wilmington. He was 67.

Mr. Melvin was born in Felton, son of the late Oliver H. Melvin and Laura A. Melvin-Harvey.

He served his country proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps. He rose to the rank of lance corporal and was very devoted to the corps.

Mr. Melvin was an auto mechanic and worked for Melvin Sunoco and Shirey"s Auto Sales. He was a workaholic, and when it came to cars he could fix almost anything.

He was an avid NASCAR and football fan.

Mr. Melvin was very family oriented and loved to go camping with his family, and he also loved to spoil his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles R. Melvin, Dwayne C. Hosey and Clarence C. Melvin; and a sister, Clara Marie Melvin.

Mr. Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Georgia Melvin of Frederica; a son, Elbert L. Melvin Jr. of Elkton, Md.; a daughter, Sherry M. Virgilio of Newark; his brothers, William J. Melvin of Deming, N.M., Bazil Melvin of Sutton, W.Va., Russell Clutter of Sutton, Henry J. Harvey of Hartly, and Carl B. Harvey of Anchorage, Alaska; his sisters, Mary E. Dillon of Oberlin, Ohio, Helen J. Gray of Centerville, Pa., Deloris E. Ware of Sutton, Kay Y. Hosey of Morgantown, W.Va., Maryland S. Hinkle of Elkins, W.Va., and Brenda C. Barker of Martinsburg, W.Va.; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Elbert III, Brian, Meghan, Mallorie, Kayla and Kyle; and a great-grandchild, Nicolas.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday in Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington, where friends may visit one hour earlier.

Burial will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.

Donations can be made to the Heartland Hospice Service, The Stockton Building, 261 Chapman Road, Suite 100, Newark, DE 19702.