Herbert V. Melson, served God and country
Herbert V. Melson, 84 of Frankford went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, while surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home.
Herb was born in Selbyville Feb. 17, 1934, son of the late Benjamin Ralph Melson and Alice Marie (Murray) Melson. He was a graduate of Lord Baltimore High School class of 1952.
Mr. Melson had a distinguished military career in the U.S. Army, serving two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. He also served 12 years at the White House Telecommunication Center under presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson. Mr. Melson was a recipient of the Legion of Merit Award, which was the second highest commendation that could be received at that time. He retired and was honorably discharged from the Army June 1, 1977, after 23 years of service, achieving the rank of chief warrant officer third class.
After his discharge from the Army, he continued to serve his country in civil service for 17 years. Herb was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion and the Millville Volunteer Fire Company. He was also a charter member of the Dagsboro Lions Club and served on the Dagsboro Town Council. Herb was involved with all of his children’s sporting events and served as a baseball umpire.
Mr. Melson served God and his country, and will be remembered for his kind, compassionate and loyal demeanor. His devotion to his family was unparalleled, as he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and son.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Alton Lee Melson; a brother, Levin James Melson; mother-in-law, Lizzie Anna Murray; grandparents, Frank and Letha Derrickson; and a stillborn great-grandson, Zachary. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Agnes I. (Murray) Melson; four children, Herbert (Diane) Melson Jr. of New Kent, Va., Ralph (Vicki) Melson of Pylesville, Md., Wayne (Debbie) Melson of Pearland, Texas, and Velicia Melson of Frankford; and two grandchildren who lived with Herb and Agnes, Anna Sipes and Matthew Herbert Melson. Herb is also survived by a sister, Ida Melson Olroyd of Marseilles, Ill.; a brother, Robert (Pat) Melson of Georgetown; nine other grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher St., Frankford, where friends and family may call after 10:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Herbert’s name to the Home of the Brave, 6632 Sharps Road, Milford, DE 19963 or by visiting www.homeofthebravefdn.org
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
