Melvin Donald Gillam, master electrician
Melvin Donald Gillam, 90, or “Don” as everyone knew him, passed away Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at home.
Don was born in Tyrone, Pa., to the late Melvin Marvin “Red” and Maude Waite Gillam Feb. 6, 1931. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded by a daughter, Susan Hanel in 1990; a sister: Beverly “Boots” Smith; and a stepbrother: Robert Gillam.
Don served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and was a veteran of the Korean War. He married Mildred Cathell, and together they raised three children. He became a master electrician and worked with engineers at American Hoechst research facility in New Jersey. He conducted safety seminars around the country. Don was a lifelong Mason. He was a dedicated Republican. Most of all, he was devoted to his family, liked to fix things, and tinker with the irrigation system at his home in Georgetown. He was a marvelous “Mr. Fix-it.”
Don is survived by his bride and love of his life, Mildred, sharing 68 years together. Also surviving are his loving daughters: Karen Gillam of Lewes and Patricia Ragan of Charlestown, Md. He is survived by a brother: Ken Gillam of Reedsville, Pa.; three grandchildren: Lauren Hanel, Nathan Hanel, and John Thomas Ragan; as well as two great-grandchildren, two nieces and one nephew.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Home of the Brave, 6632 Sharps Road, Milford, DE 19963.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
Electronic condolences via www.watsonfh.com.
