Robert Lane Melson, 88

MILLSBORO - Robert Lane Melson, of Millsboro, died Saturday, April 12, 2008, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. He was 88.

Born in Wilmington on Jan. 16, 1920, he was the son of the late Oliver Newton and Della Maud (Davis) Melson.

Mr. Melson was a graduate of Conrad High School and received a degree in civil engineering from the University of Delaware in 1948.

He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army as a captain. Mr. Melson was a battery commander in the 999th Field Artillery Battalion. He served in five campaigns in the European Theater and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Mr. Melson worked in the oil refinery business with the Pure Oil Co. and in 1955 was employed by Tidewater Oil Co., later known as the Getty Oil Refinery, in Delaware City, for 30 years, finally retiring in 1985. He was also instrumental in starting the first oil refinery in Denmark.

He enjoyed many hobbies and activities. He was an avid mineral and fossil collector and was a charter member and past president of the Delaware Mineralogical Society.

Mr. Melson belonged to the Delaware Academy of Science and was the founder and first curator of the Iron Hill Natural History Museum.

He also enjoyed researching genealogy.

Mr. Melson was a member of Newark Historical Society, Lewes Historical Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the Delaware County Institute of Science.

Fishing, boating, crabbing and clamming were happy pastimes for many years.

Mr. Melson had an unparalleled zest for life, adventure and the great outdoors. He traveled to many foreign countries and never ceased his endless search for knowledge.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Oliver and Maud Melson; his wife, Anne Mills Melson; his grandson Robert Melson Pacinelli; and his brother, Norman Melson.

Survivors include his wife, Jeannie; his daughter, Susan Pacinelli and husband Frank; grandson, Kristopher; stepdaughter, Sandra Gross and husband Mark; grandson, Evan Gross; stepson, Clifford Lavender; brother, Howard Melson and wife JoAnn; sister-in-law, Sallie Melson; brother-in-law, George Mills and wife Bonnie; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday in Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 525 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark. Visitation will start at 10 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Robert L. Melson to the Iron Hill Museum, 1355 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, DE 19702.

Arrangements by R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral, Directors & Crematory, 122 W. Main St., Newark.