Son of Charles Albert Eckard, and Zola Juanita Triplett.
(Noted): Melvin Lee Eckard (23), enlisted into the United States Army, on August 28th, 1961, in Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. He went to serve his Basic Training for "Boot Camp," on October 16th, 1961, in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and then spent some time in Basic Combat Training, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He served a "2" year term, in the Army, stationed over in Frankfurt, Germany.
(Relationship): Melvin Lee Eckard, had a relationship with (Sandra Fay Newlin) in (June-August of 1965), and they had a daughter together.
(Child): 1
1) Rebecca "Becky" Sue ECKARD (Brooks/Wilson),
(1966-Living).
(1st Wife): Rosalyn "Rose" Ann Johnson.
Melvin Lee Eckard (32) married Rose Ann JOHNSON Alder (23) on March 16th, 1970, in Tazewell County, Virginia., by Fred F. Wyatt, of the W. Methodist Church. Melvin also took in Rose' daughter (Kristi Lynn Rinker) from her prior relationship with her "High School Classmate," (Kerry Lee Rinker, 1946-Living). My father "Pop" Melvin told me he separated from Rose, by September of 1973, and that he divorced her on (February 12th, 1974), in Newark or Heath, Licking Co., Ohio. And that shortly after their divorce, that his Ex-wife, Rose, had married (Kerry Lee Rinker, 1946-Living).
(Rose' Children):
2) Matthew Lee, son of (Danny Lee Queen, 1944-2015)
(1970-Living).
3) Loralea "Lora" Sue, daughter of (Kerry Lee Rinker, 1946-Living)
(1971-Living).
(Melvin and Rose had a Son together): Jason
4) Jason Scott Eckard,
(1972-Living).
(2nd Wife): Patricia "Patsy" (Davis) Marsh.
Melvin Lee Eckard (39), married Patricia "Patsy" (Davis) Marsh (32), on September 6th, 1977, in McMinville, Cannon Co., Tennessee. There were no children born from this union. They were divorced by (1977-78).
(Relationship): Sandra Lipps (Freeman) Spicer.
Melvin Lee Eckard, had a relationship with Sandra Lipps (Freeman) Spicer, and they had a son together.
5) Melvin Thurman Spicer,
(1978-Living).
(3rd Wife): Terrie Lou (Hayes) Mitchell-Lowe-Eckard-Barker-Craig,
(1952-2013).
Melvin Lee Eckard (47), married Terrie Lou (Hayes) Lowe (33), on (October 5th, 1985), in Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio. There were no children born from this union. They were divorced on (July 30th, 1986), in Heath, Licking County, Ohio.
(Siblings): 3
~ Gary Roger Eckard,
(1936-2003).
* Melvin Lee Eckard,
(1938-2022).
~ Danny Carroll Eckard,
(1944-Living).
~ Bonnie Juanita (Eckard) Brandon-
Ricciardo, (1947-Living).
(Noted): Melvin was the 2nd child, and the 2nd son of Charles and Zola Eckard.
(Beloved Pets): (Rusty) "a German Shepherd; (Dawg) "a white German Shepherd," (Tigger) "a tiger tabby cat," (Boo) "a white cat," (Shadow) "his beloved buddy, a grey tiger tabby cat," and (Sindy) "an orange tiger tabby." My Dad is so silly, always telling "ME," that his one cat "Shadow" KNOWS... Knows What? How to be a CAT! :) "Hee-Hee."
(Occupation): Retired Stationary Engineer.
(Job History): My father Melvin told me as a young boy, that his very first job was delivering "Newspapers" with his older brother, Gary, in Newark, Ohio. Then, in his teen years, he worked as a "Caddy," at a local Golf Course, in Ohio. Then, after he returned back from serving a two year term in the United States Army (1961-1963), he worked for the city, as a "City Utility Worker," in Newark, Ohio. Then, he worked at the Newark Air Force Base, located in Newark, Ohio; and then he worked at "Kaiser Aluminum Factory," as an "Engineer." Then, he worked for "Rockwell-Standard Corporation Vehicle Parts Plant," as a "Welder," in Heath, Ohio., but then went back to work for "Kaiser Aluminum," from (1979-1999), and retired after 20 years of service, as a "Stationary Engineer."
(Service): United States Army (1961-1963).
(Military Information):
(Rank In): Private, Melvin Lee Eckard.
(Age of Enlistment): 23
(Branch Served): U.S. Army.
(State Served): Ohio.
(Enlistment Date): August 28th, 1961.
(Enlisted Where): Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio.
He went to serve his Basic Training for "Boot Camp," on October 16th, 1961, in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He served a "2" year term, in the Army, stationed over in Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Germany, on the U.S.S. Buckner.
(Unit): 5th Ohio Army Regiment.
(Job Title): Army Mechanic (worked on the military Jeeps, Trucks, and Tanks).
(Other Military Achievements): My Dad "Melvin" said he was also part of the (Sharpshooters "Spec-4" Specialist Unit).
(Noted): While in Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Germany, my father said he also went to Reinis, France, and Rotterdam, Holland (Netherlands), and that he loved seeing all the "Castles," there.
(Rank Out): Corporal, E-F, Melvin Lee Eckard.
(Discharge Date): August 28th, 1963.
(Discharged Where): Fort Dix, New Jersey.
(Hobbies): My Dad "Pop" Melvin likes the outdoors, and enjoys fishing and hunting, and taking pictures, and taking long drives to his early birth place (Amesville, Athens Co., Ohio) and to his early childhood of (Chesterhill, Morgan Co., Ohio) and through Newark and Heath, Licking Co., Ohio., and other nearby townships, enjoying and "reminiscing" his life story. He also likes doing his family "Genealogy" research, and enjoys taking nature trail walks, and, has a compassionate heart towards God's precious animals, "where as a child he told me he would find injured animals in the woods and help mend them back to good health," bless his heart. During his younger teen years, my "Pop" Melvin also had a love for cars and enjoyed working on cars or trucks, and said he learned a lot about mechanical work, from his father Charles, and his Uncle Bernard Lee Triplet (his mother's younger brother). Also, during his later teen years my silly "ornery" father also liked jumping in his convertible car, drag racing down the streets of Newark and Heath, Ohio., (like most boys his age did "during the 1950's)... "Hee-Hee." He said one time a police officer had to chase him to the next town, and when he finally caught up to my silly ornery Dad, the police officer asked my Dad, "What kind of motor engine do you have in your car?" And my Dad told the Police Officer: "A Stock-Car Engine." I still think my father should have been a "Cop," since he loved driving really fast, and loves driving around. It truly amazes me how much my Dad knows about the history of Ohio., and all the townships and the back roads, (that he's always getting out a map and likes to take a journey about here and there, on his joy rides along his travel adventures). I told him he should have been an Ohioan Historian, since he knows a lot about "Ohio," and enjoys taking scenic pictures of Ohio. My Dad also told me "while he was growing up," that he also loved learning all about the "Engineer" trade from both his Grandfather, John Wesley Eckard, (whom he said was a gifted and talented Blacksmith/Coal Miner Engineer) who was ahead of his time "who would even make up his own tools." And, he also told me that he learned a lot from his father, Charles Albert Eckard, too. My father "Pop" Melvin, also enjoys listening to Music, and watching old Classic Movies, and, "Boy, does he love "Chocolate Covered-Raisins." :) His little bud and sidekick is his silly cat "Shadow." :)
(Census Records for Melvin Lee Eckard):
(1940 Census): Under his father, Charles Albert Eckard.
(Noted) Ancestry.com has Charles Albert Eskard; but it clearly shows: ECKARD.
(Head) Charles Albert Eckard 30 1910 Ohio.
(Wife) Zola Juanita Eckard 26 1914 Ohio.
(Son) Gerry Roger Eckard 4 1936 Ohio.
(Son) Melvin Lee Eckard 2 1938 Ohio.
Living in: Chesterhill, Morgan, Ohio.
(Noted): Census said they lived on Street: Church Street, and that their prior residence in 1935 was in: Rural, Athens, Ohio. And, that Charles' occupation was: Assistant Engineer for a Private Gas Company. (Also Noted): Gerry should be (Gary). *Being that my father (Melvin) was "2" years old under the "1940" U.S. Census, and by me posting his picture "that he sent me" of him being around "2 years old," it helps show us what he looked like around that time. So "Thanks," Pop Melvin. :)
(1950 Census) Under his father, Chas A. Eckard (Charles A. Eckard):
(Head) Chas A. Eckard, 40 (1910) Ohio.
(Wife) Zola J. Eckard, 36 (1914) Ohio.
(Son) Gary R. Eckard, 14 (1936) Ohio.
(Son) Melvin L. Eckard, 12 (1938) Ohio.
(Son) Danny C. Eckard, 5 (1945) Ohio.
(Dau) Bonnie J. Eckard, 2 (1948) Ohio.
Living in: Newark, Licking County, Ohio.
(Noted): Census stated that Chas (Charles) Occupation was that of a "Stationary Fireman" (most likely at the "Heisey Glass Factory"); and, that, Charles also worked at an "Electric Company," too. Zola was "Keeping House," and sons (Gary and Melvin) both worked as "Caddies" at a Golf Course.
Love you "Pop" Melvin... Your daughter, Rebecca Sue. :)
(Noted): My Dad "Pop" Melvin Lee Eckard, told me that his (Eckhard/Eckhardt) ECKARD Ancestors were from Idar-Oberstein, Germany.
(Obituary) Posted online on (April 07, 2022) and Published in the "Newark Advocate Newspaper," on (April 8th, 2022).
Melvin "Mel" Lee Eckard
Newark - Melvin "Mel" Lee Eckard, 84, of Newark, died Monday, April 4, 2022, at his home. He was born January 7, 1938, in Amesville, Athens County, Ohio, to the late Charles Albert and Zola Juanita (Triplett) Eckard. Melvin loved the outdoors, and working on cars, and driving around reminiscing.
Melvin served in the U.S. Army as a Mechanic from (1961-63); and had retired as a stationary engineer from Kaiser Aluminum after 20 years of service. He is survived by his children, Rebecca Wilson, Matthew, Loralea, Jason, and Melvin Spicer, all of Newark; and grandchildren, Olivia F., Dallas, Tyler, Kiley, Oliva J.; Rory, Cody and Austin; a brother, Danny Eckard of Ohio; and sister, Bonnie Ricciardo of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Gary Eckard.
(Death Information Correction): Sadly, Due to two mean-spirited stepsiblings, Matthew and his sister, Loralea (who would NOT tell "ME" my Dad's eldest known child and daughter, or my Dad "Pop" Melvin's other youngest son (Melvin Spicer) about our own flesh-n-blood father's Horrific Tragic "Garage Fire" Accident, or include "Me" or my youngest brother (Melvin Jr.) in on our own father's "Funeral & Burial Arrangements," either (with my two mean-spirited heartless spiteful stepsiblings totally leaving "MY" NAME (Rebecca Sue Wilson), and that of my youngest "Half-Brother" (Melvin Spicer's NAME) totally out of our father's "Vensil & Chute Funeral Home" OBITUARY, because when I spoke to the funeral director, Bradley Chute, he told me he was just going by the "Orders" of (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea "Lora"), who both knew darn well that my DAD "Pop" Melvin Lee Eckard, had two other children (Myself, Rebecca Sue Wilson, and Melvin Spicer), because we both have "Ancestry DNA Proof," too prove it; and plus my youngest brother told me that my stepbrother (Matthew) found the "Paternity Test "that our Dad "Pop" Melvin had to do with my youngest brother (Melvin Jr). And, plus, the fact that my Dad "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) and I were in contact with each other, since (June 2013) up until (April 3rd, 2022) before he was badly injured and burnt in a "SUSPICIOUS" (Garage Fire) at his home, on (April 4th, 2022). But, since my two mean-spirited heartless spiteful stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) wouldn't tell "ME" or my youngest brother (Melvin Jr.) anything about our Dad's Tragic Horrific "Garage Fire" Accident and Death, my Dad's sister (My Aunt Bonnie) was the caring thoughtful one who told me about the sad "NEWS" about my Dad's Sudden Passing, which sadly left "ME" in SHOCK for days... So I corrected my Dad's "DEATH DATE," as he actually died on (April 5th, 2022), and not on (April 4th), because I was told by the authorities that though my dear father was in cardiac arrest "when the firemen found him inside his garage breezeway," and that they had to revive him outside his house, his burns on his face, arms and legs, were so severe, that after he arrived to the "Licking Memorial Hospital," that he was then quickly flown up to the "Ohio State University Hospital's Burnt Unit," in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. And I called and spoke to a lady there at the "Ohio State University Hospital" Burnt Unit, who sadly confirmed to me "that my father had sadly died there," at the (Ohio State University Hospital's Burn Unit). I was still in "SHOCK," and couldn't believe my dear father was actually GONE, until I called and obtained a copy of my Dad "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022)'s Death Certificate, that confirms his death date. It's a crying shame when a family has hateful heartless jealous mean-spirited spiteful people "who won't tell all a Father's CHILDREN about their father's Horrific Tragic Accident and Death (especially when his children "that are sadly being left out" still keep in touch with him). But, due to my Dad's very SUSPICIOUS DEATH, his death is being investigated. But, sadly, "Oh," how I miss my dear "FATHER" (Pop) Melvin Lee Eckard. Because after he and I made contact in (June 2013), he and I wrote "back-and-fourth" to each other, every few weeks (and I'm so glad I kept all his letters, cards and packages that he ever sent to me) and the fact that my Dad "Pop" Melvin kept asking "ME" when I was going to move back to (Newark, Ohio) where my DAD said "I" Belonged... He even sent me "2" Greyhound Bus Tickets, to which he sent me the first one on (May 18th, 2013), which I wanted our first visit to be "Special," so I changed the dates of my "Greyhound Bus Ticket," to (June 11th-27th, 2013) so we could spend "Father's Day Weekend" together, to be reunited with my Dad, since he last saw me when I was only "3" Months old, back in (June of 1966) in Newark, Licking County, Ohio. But, since he and my young teen mother (Sandra Fay NEWLIN Brooks-Wilson, 1948-2018) never married, and my Mother ended up marrying my older "Half-Sister" (Tammy Brooks) father (Terry Robert Brooks, 1942-Living) in (1965), instead, and so I was raised by my Mother. But then when my Mother married her second husband (Robert "Bob" Eugene Wilson, 1941-2007) in (1971) he moved our family from Newark, Licking County, Ohio., down to "Central Florida," in (1972). But a few weeks before my dear mother's death in (June of 2018), that's when my dear father "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) had sent me the second "Greyhound Bus Ticket," on (May 18th, 2018), telling me that he wanted me back at home in (Newark, Ohio) where HE said "I" Belonged... Though I only got to spend the last "9 years" of my Dad's life with him, I will always cherish every minute we shared together. And, boy, do I miss hearing his "voice," and getting his phone calls, and his "Hugs," and the nice "Country Drives," he would take me on, in Newark, Heath, Hebron, Grandville, Somerset, Thornville, Buckeye Lake, and other surrounding towns (because, boy, did my dear father know the "Streets" like the back of his hand: "That he would always ask me," Rebecca, do you know where you're at? And whenever I would tell him, "No," he would always tell me: "Well," don't worry, as long as you're with me you'll never get lost, because I know where I'm at!" My Dad "Pop" Melvin, had called me on both (April 2nd, 2022, and again "8" times, on (April 3rd, 2022) wanting to come over and see me (but I had errands to run that day with a friend so by the time I got back home it was too late to call my Dad back for him to come over and spend time with me) so I called him the next morning on (April 3rd, 2022) inviting him over for lunch "because he loved eating Sloppy Joe Manwich Sandwiches." But he said had already ate, and was sitting at a "Bicycle Trail," watching people riding their bikes and he teased me "like he often did," saying I needed to ride a bike, too... So I know my Dad still had his "CAR" with him on (April 2nd, and also on April 3rd, 2022). And with my Dad's poor injured foot and leg (that he obtained from that almost fatal "Motorcycle Accident," back in (October of 2009) when he was with my stepbrother, Matthew. There was no way my Dad would have walked to a "Bike Trail," so he still had to have his "CAR," with him that day "when he last talked to me" on (April 3rd, 2022). But somehow his "CAR" suspiciously wasn't at his house on the night of the terrible accident on (April 4th, 2022), because the authorities had told me that my stepbrother, Matthew, had told them "that my Dad's "CAR" was in a SHOP." Which I found to be quite "ODD," (because my Dad was a very talented "Mechanic," and every time I would call him up and ask him what he was doing? He would often tell me that he was working on his "CAR." And whenever I would ask him why he just doesn't take his "CAR" to an "Auto Shop," my Dad would always tell me: "Why would I do that, when I'm a good mechanic, and was a mechanic in the U.S. Army, so I know how to work on my own car!" And, "NO WAY," would my Dad burn "Mail," in his closed "Garage," with no proper ventilation, either, (especially, when my Dad showed me his backyard "Fire Pit" (where he said he burnt his old mail in)... So I pray GOD will reveal the truth about my Dad's very "SUSPICIOUS" "Garage Fire" Death, because My dear father didn't deserve to die like he did. And he was still very sharp-minded and knew a lot of things (like who he was and his name and birthday and he would even recite his U.S. Army I.D. Number to me all the time, and he knew his parents and siblings, and where he lived, and he would drive me around all the time "showing me all the old houses that he used to live in and all his old jobs, and he was always sending me letters, cards and packages) even though he suffered from "Severe TBI" from a bad head injury (that he was in a coma for "2" Months) from an almost fatal "Motorcycle Accident," that he told me he had back in (October of 2009) when he was with my stepbrother (Matthew). But my stepbrother (Matthew) is going around telling people that My Dad had (Dementia) for the past (10 years), which me and other family relatives all highly doubt (because we all said my Dad "Pop" Melvin knew too much information and still functioned and drove himself around (which doesn't show any signs of having "Dementia," for the past "10 Years,")... So I don't believe my Dad had (Dementia), because I've read up on Dementia and TBI, and it said that "TBI" can mimic "Dementia," so my poor father's health decline was all due to that almost terrible fatal "2009" Motorcycle Accident, when he was with my stepbrother (Matthew), which my Dad shouldn't have even been on a "Motorcycle," anyway. But, despite my Dad's "Severe TBI Head Injury," many of his relatives all agree with me, in saying: That my Dad "Pop" Melvin knew too much information and knew who he was and what he was doing, that, until a doctor's report states otherwise, I will not believe that he suffered from "Dementia," but rather from ("Severe TBI"), instead. But either way, I still think my Dad's whole (Garage Fire) and his DEATH was very very "SUSPICIOUS!" Because I was told back in (2013) by Matthew's first late Ex-wife (Johnna Sue Satterfield, 1971-2018) that my two stepsiblings were both fighting over who was going to get my Dad's HOUSE and his MONEY, etc... But then in (December of 2020) another person "who said she knew my two stepsiblings quite well, because they went to school with them and lived on the same street as them, shockenly told me that my two greedy stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) had helped set their Mother (Rose Ann) HOUSE on "FIRE," to get out of the Bank "Foreclosing" on her home, and that they were so "MONEY HUNGRY" and GREEDY" that Rose and her two kids (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) took off with the "Insurance Money," and chased off my younger "Half-Brother" (Jason Scott Eckard, 1972-Living). I tried to make a peacefully friendly family connection with my two younger stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea), but back in (May of 2012), my heartless hateful stepsister (Loralea) had told me on "Facebook," to F*ck Off!!! And back in (June of 2013) when I spent over "2 weeks" with my Dad "Pop" Melvin at his house, and my Dad had asked my stepbrother (Matthew) to come over and meet me. I was shocked when I first met (Matthew) because as soon as he got out of his vehicle, Matthew punched his "FIST" into his other hand, I guess to try and scare me off... But it didn't work!!! Then, while I was making us all dinner at my Dad's house, my stepbrother (Matthew) had told his future second wife (Jennifer Lynn Schwamb, 1971-Living) that when my Dad "Pop" Melvin dies, that (Matthew) was getting my Dad's HOUSE. Nobody even mentioned "WHO" was getting "WHAT" of my dear Father's, and I had told my Dad "Pop" Melvin from "Day 1," that I wasn't after his Money or his House, etc... And, also while visiting with my Dad, he and I had drove over to Matthew's fiancée (Jennifer's House) to deliver her a lounging lawn chair "that my father had found for her at a garage sale," so my Dad and I drove to her house to give it to her, but as soon as we got out of my Dad's Car, (Jennifer) had told my Dad: "Mel," you have got to stop giving Matthew money to help him pay his bills and car payment, because he needs to grow up and be a responsible adult!" After spending that time with my dear father in (June 2013), and he and I had gotten close quite quickly (that when it came time for me to get back onto the "Greyhound Bus" back to Florida, my Dad and I just "CRIED and CRIED," and my dear father had bought me my very first "Cellphone," bless his dear heart, and as my bus was pulling away, my Dad had called me up, crying, and said to me: "I miss you already, Rebecca!" When am I going to see you again? That, after I met my Dad "Pop" Melvin, even my stepbrother Matthew's first late Ex-wife (Johnna) had told me: "Boy," Becky, every since your Dad Melvin met you, you're all he ever talks about! Then (Johnna) warned me that my two younger stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) didn't like "ME" coming into my Dad's LIFE and would do everything they possibly could to keep "ME" from getting closier to my DAD "Pop" Melvin (because Johnna told me that Matthew, and his sister were both after my Dad's house and his money, and that they will NOT share anything with me or my two younger brothers, that they were even trying to get their younger "Half-Brother" (Jason) committed, so they can get his share of any inheritance... But, after me waiting "47" long years to meet and know my dear father "Pop" Melvin, I was NOT going to let my two younger jealous spiteful stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) stop my Dad and I from getting closer as "Father & Daughter." But, then, by (March o 2014) my stepbrother (Matthew) had wrote me a nasty message on facebook, telling me NOT to come back to "Ohio," and that OHIO had nothing for me, and that his father wasn't going to take care of me, for me to stay down in Florida! First of all, "I" never asked or expected my Dad "Pop" Melvin Lee Eckard to take care of "ME," because GOD and my dear Mother already did a great job in raising "ME" up in the Ways of the LORD! And, secondly, my stepbrother (Matthew) was right about one thing... HIS real birth father (Danny Lee Queen, 1944-2015) WASN"T going to take care of ME!!! So after I met my dear father "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) he and I bonded really close, that after my dear Mother (Sandra Fay NEWLIN Brooks-Wilson, 1948-2018) sadly passed away, my Dad "Pop" Melvin was determined to get "ME" back to OHIO (where he said "I" belonged) that he sent me some money to help me rent a "Moving U-Haul Van," to get back to Ohio, by (July of 2018), and at first he wanted me to stay with him at his house, but then I think he was afraid of my two mean-spirited jealous stepsibling (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) finding out (because he told me that "Loralea," liked to beat people up, so he didn't want me to be around her), and Matthew's first late Ex-wife (Johnna) had also told me that after (Matthew) had told me to not come back to "Ohio," back in (March of 2014), Johnna told me that when she asked my Dad "Pop" Melvin why he stopped calling me and writing to me for awhile. She told me that my DAD "POP" MELVIN had told her: "Because, Matthew said I wasn't allowed!" Johnna told me that my younger jealous stepbrother (Matthew) had gave my Dad "Pop" Melvin an automative, telling him he had to choose. Either (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea, or "ME." And that "IF" my Dad "Pop" Melvin had chosen to keep in touch with "ME," that (Matthew) threatened him (by saying he wouldn't let my Dad see Matthew's kids (Tyler and Kiley) anymore, and MATTHEW knew darn well that (KILEY MARIE) was my Dad's "Pride & Joy!" But, despite Matthew's threats, my dear father "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) still kept in touch with me throughout the years, and even when I finally did move back home to "Newark, Ohio," my Dad "bless his heart," would have to sneak over to my place (to spend time with "ME") so my DAD wanted ME in his LIFE... May He "REST in PEACE," until I get to see him again someday in (Heaven). You will NOT be forgotten, DAD-E-O "Pop" Melvin!!! I LOVE and MISS Him, so much...
(Noted): Melvin Lee Eckard (23), enlisted into the United States Army, on August 28th, 1961, in Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. He went to serve his Basic Training for "Boot Camp," on October 16th, 1961, in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and then spent some time in Basic Combat Training, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He served a "2" year term, in the Army, stationed over in Frankfurt, Germany.
(Relationship): Melvin Lee Eckard, had a relationship with (Sandra Fay Newlin) in (June-August of 1965), and they had a daughter together.
(Child): 1
1) Rebecca "Becky" Sue ECKARD (Brooks/Wilson),
(1966-Living).
(1st Wife): Rosalyn "Rose" Ann Johnson.
Melvin Lee Eckard (32) married Rose Ann JOHNSON Alder (23) on March 16th, 1970, in Tazewell County, Virginia., by Fred F. Wyatt, of the W. Methodist Church. Melvin also took in Rose' daughter (Kristi Lynn Rinker) from her prior relationship with her "High School Classmate," (Kerry Lee Rinker, 1946-Living). My father "Pop" Melvin told me he separated from Rose, by September of 1973, and that he divorced her on (February 12th, 1974), in Newark or Heath, Licking Co., Ohio. And that shortly after their divorce, that his Ex-wife, Rose, had married (Kerry Lee Rinker, 1946-Living).
(Rose' Children):
2) Matthew Lee, son of (Danny Lee Queen, 1944-2015)
(1970-Living).
3) Loralea "Lora" Sue, daughter of (Kerry Lee Rinker, 1946-Living)
(1971-Living).
(Melvin and Rose had a Son together): Jason
4) Jason Scott Eckard,
(1972-Living).
(2nd Wife): Patricia "Patsy" (Davis) Marsh.
Melvin Lee Eckard (39), married Patricia "Patsy" (Davis) Marsh (32), on September 6th, 1977, in McMinville, Cannon Co., Tennessee. There were no children born from this union. They were divorced by (1977-78).
(Relationship): Sandra Lipps (Freeman) Spicer.
Melvin Lee Eckard, had a relationship with Sandra Lipps (Freeman) Spicer, and they had a son together.
5) Melvin Thurman Spicer,
(1978-Living).
(3rd Wife): Terrie Lou (Hayes) Mitchell-Lowe-Eckard-Barker-Craig,
(1952-2013).
Melvin Lee Eckard (47), married Terrie Lou (Hayes) Lowe (33), on (October 5th, 1985), in Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio. There were no children born from this union. They were divorced on (July 30th, 1986), in Heath, Licking County, Ohio.
(Siblings): 3
~ Gary Roger Eckard,
(1936-2003).
* Melvin Lee Eckard,
(1938-2022).
~ Danny Carroll Eckard,
(1944-Living).
~ Bonnie Juanita (Eckard) Brandon-
Ricciardo, (1947-Living).
(Noted): Melvin was the 2nd child, and the 2nd son of Charles and Zola Eckard.
(Beloved Pets): (Rusty) "a German Shepherd; (Dawg) "a white German Shepherd," (Tigger) "a tiger tabby cat," (Boo) "a white cat," (Shadow) "his beloved buddy, a grey tiger tabby cat," and (Sindy) "an orange tiger tabby." My Dad is so silly, always telling "ME," that his one cat "Shadow" KNOWS... Knows What? How to be a CAT! :) "Hee-Hee."
(Occupation): Retired Stationary Engineer.
(Job History): My father Melvin told me as a young boy, that his very first job was delivering "Newspapers" with his older brother, Gary, in Newark, Ohio. Then, in his teen years, he worked as a "Caddy," at a local Golf Course, in Ohio. Then, after he returned back from serving a two year term in the United States Army (1961-1963), he worked for the city, as a "City Utility Worker," in Newark, Ohio. Then, he worked at the Newark Air Force Base, located in Newark, Ohio; and then he worked at "Kaiser Aluminum Factory," as an "Engineer." Then, he worked for "Rockwell-Standard Corporation Vehicle Parts Plant," as a "Welder," in Heath, Ohio., but then went back to work for "Kaiser Aluminum," from (1979-1999), and retired after 20 years of service, as a "Stationary Engineer."
(Service): United States Army (1961-1963).
(Military Information):
(Rank In): Private, Melvin Lee Eckard.
(Age of Enlistment): 23
(Branch Served): U.S. Army.
(State Served): Ohio.
(Enlistment Date): August 28th, 1961.
(Enlisted Where): Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio.
He went to serve his Basic Training for "Boot Camp," on October 16th, 1961, in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He served a "2" year term, in the Army, stationed over in Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Germany, on the U.S.S. Buckner.
(Unit): 5th Ohio Army Regiment.
(Job Title): Army Mechanic (worked on the military Jeeps, Trucks, and Tanks).
(Other Military Achievements): My Dad "Melvin" said he was also part of the (Sharpshooters "Spec-4" Specialist Unit).
(Noted): While in Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Germany, my father said he also went to Reinis, France, and Rotterdam, Holland (Netherlands), and that he loved seeing all the "Castles," there.
(Rank Out): Corporal, E-F, Melvin Lee Eckard.
(Discharge Date): August 28th, 1963.
(Discharged Where): Fort Dix, New Jersey.
(Hobbies): My Dad "Pop" Melvin likes the outdoors, and enjoys fishing and hunting, and taking pictures, and taking long drives to his early birth place (Amesville, Athens Co., Ohio) and to his early childhood of (Chesterhill, Morgan Co., Ohio) and through Newark and Heath, Licking Co., Ohio., and other nearby townships, enjoying and "reminiscing" his life story. He also likes doing his family "Genealogy" research, and enjoys taking nature trail walks, and, has a compassionate heart towards God's precious animals, "where as a child he told me he would find injured animals in the woods and help mend them back to good health," bless his heart. During his younger teen years, my "Pop" Melvin also had a love for cars and enjoyed working on cars or trucks, and said he learned a lot about mechanical work, from his father Charles, and his Uncle Bernard Lee Triplet (his mother's younger brother). Also, during his later teen years my silly "ornery" father also liked jumping in his convertible car, drag racing down the streets of Newark and Heath, Ohio., (like most boys his age did "during the 1950's)... "Hee-Hee." He said one time a police officer had to chase him to the next town, and when he finally caught up to my silly ornery Dad, the police officer asked my Dad, "What kind of motor engine do you have in your car?" And my Dad told the Police Officer: "A Stock-Car Engine." I still think my father should have been a "Cop," since he loved driving really fast, and loves driving around. It truly amazes me how much my Dad knows about the history of Ohio., and all the townships and the back roads, (that he's always getting out a map and likes to take a journey about here and there, on his joy rides along his travel adventures). I told him he should have been an Ohioan Historian, since he knows a lot about "Ohio," and enjoys taking scenic pictures of Ohio. My Dad also told me "while he was growing up," that he also loved learning all about the "Engineer" trade from both his Grandfather, John Wesley Eckard, (whom he said was a gifted and talented Blacksmith/Coal Miner Engineer) who was ahead of his time "who would even make up his own tools." And, he also told me that he learned a lot from his father, Charles Albert Eckard, too. My father "Pop" Melvin, also enjoys listening to Music, and watching old Classic Movies, and, "Boy, does he love "Chocolate Covered-Raisins." :) His little bud and sidekick is his silly cat "Shadow." :)
(Census Records for Melvin Lee Eckard):
(1940 Census): Under his father, Charles Albert Eckard.
(Noted) Ancestry.com has Charles Albert Eskard; but it clearly shows: ECKARD.
(Head) Charles Albert Eckard 30 1910 Ohio.
(Wife) Zola Juanita Eckard 26 1914 Ohio.
(Son) Gerry Roger Eckard 4 1936 Ohio.
(Son) Melvin Lee Eckard 2 1938 Ohio.
Living in: Chesterhill, Morgan, Ohio.
(Noted): Census said they lived on Street: Church Street, and that their prior residence in 1935 was in: Rural, Athens, Ohio. And, that Charles' occupation was: Assistant Engineer for a Private Gas Company. (Also Noted): Gerry should be (Gary). *Being that my father (Melvin) was "2" years old under the "1940" U.S. Census, and by me posting his picture "that he sent me" of him being around "2 years old," it helps show us what he looked like around that time. So "Thanks," Pop Melvin. :)
(1950 Census) Under his father, Chas A. Eckard (Charles A. Eckard):
(Head) Chas A. Eckard, 40 (1910) Ohio.
(Wife) Zola J. Eckard, 36 (1914) Ohio.
(Son) Gary R. Eckard, 14 (1936) Ohio.
(Son) Melvin L. Eckard, 12 (1938) Ohio.
(Son) Danny C. Eckard, 5 (1945) Ohio.
(Dau) Bonnie J. Eckard, 2 (1948) Ohio.
Living in: Newark, Licking County, Ohio.
(Noted): Census stated that Chas (Charles) Occupation was that of a "Stationary Fireman" (most likely at the "Heisey Glass Factory"); and, that, Charles also worked at an "Electric Company," too. Zola was "Keeping House," and sons (Gary and Melvin) both worked as "Caddies" at a Golf Course.
Love you "Pop" Melvin... Your daughter, Rebecca Sue. :)
(Noted): My Dad "Pop" Melvin Lee Eckard, told me that his (Eckhard/Eckhardt) ECKARD Ancestors were from Idar-Oberstein, Germany.
(Obituary) Posted online on (April 07, 2022) and Published in the "Newark Advocate Newspaper," on (April 8th, 2022).
Melvin "Mel" Lee Eckard
Newark - Melvin "Mel" Lee Eckard, 84, of Newark, died Monday, April 4, 2022, at his home. He was born January 7, 1938, in Amesville, Athens County, Ohio, to the late Charles Albert and Zola Juanita (Triplett) Eckard. Melvin loved the outdoors, and working on cars, and driving around reminiscing.
Melvin served in the U.S. Army as a Mechanic from (1961-63); and had retired as a stationary engineer from Kaiser Aluminum after 20 years of service. He is survived by his children, Rebecca Wilson, Matthew, Loralea, Jason, and Melvin Spicer, all of Newark; and grandchildren, Olivia F., Dallas, Tyler, Kiley, Oliva J.; Rory, Cody and Austin; a brother, Danny Eckard of Ohio; and sister, Bonnie Ricciardo of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Gary Eckard.
(Death Information Correction): Sadly, Due to two mean-spirited stepsiblings, Matthew and his sister, Loralea (who would NOT tell "ME" my Dad's eldest known child and daughter, or my Dad "Pop" Melvin's other youngest son (Melvin Spicer) about our own flesh-n-blood father's Horrific Tragic "Garage Fire" Accident, or include "Me" or my youngest brother (Melvin Jr.) in on our own father's "Funeral & Burial Arrangements," either (with my two mean-spirited heartless spiteful stepsiblings totally leaving "MY" NAME (Rebecca Sue Wilson), and that of my youngest "Half-Brother" (Melvin Spicer's NAME) totally out of our father's "Vensil & Chute Funeral Home" OBITUARY, because when I spoke to the funeral director, Bradley Chute, he told me he was just going by the "Orders" of (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea "Lora"), who both knew darn well that my DAD "Pop" Melvin Lee Eckard, had two other children (Myself, Rebecca Sue Wilson, and Melvin Spicer), because we both have "Ancestry DNA Proof," too prove it; and plus my youngest brother told me that my stepbrother (Matthew) found the "Paternity Test "that our Dad "Pop" Melvin had to do with my youngest brother (Melvin Jr). And, plus, the fact that my Dad "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) and I were in contact with each other, since (June 2013) up until (April 3rd, 2022) before he was badly injured and burnt in a "SUSPICIOUS" (Garage Fire) at his home, on (April 4th, 2022). But, since my two mean-spirited heartless spiteful stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) wouldn't tell "ME" or my youngest brother (Melvin Jr.) anything about our Dad's Tragic Horrific "Garage Fire" Accident and Death, my Dad's sister (My Aunt Bonnie) was the caring thoughtful one who told me about the sad "NEWS" about my Dad's Sudden Passing, which sadly left "ME" in SHOCK for days... So I corrected my Dad's "DEATH DATE," as he actually died on (April 5th, 2022), and not on (April 4th), because I was told by the authorities that though my dear father was in cardiac arrest "when the firemen found him inside his garage breezeway," and that they had to revive him outside his house, his burns on his face, arms and legs, were so severe, that after he arrived to the "Licking Memorial Hospital," that he was then quickly flown up to the "Ohio State University Hospital's Burnt Unit," in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. And I called and spoke to a lady there at the "Ohio State University Hospital" Burnt Unit, who sadly confirmed to me "that my father had sadly died there," at the (Ohio State University Hospital's Burn Unit). I was still in "SHOCK," and couldn't believe my dear father was actually GONE, until I called and obtained a copy of my Dad "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022)'s Death Certificate, that confirms his death date. It's a crying shame when a family has hateful heartless jealous mean-spirited spiteful people "who won't tell all a Father's CHILDREN about their father's Horrific Tragic Accident and Death (especially when his children "that are sadly being left out" still keep in touch with him). But, due to my Dad's very SUSPICIOUS DEATH, his death is being investigated. But, sadly, "Oh," how I miss my dear "FATHER" (Pop) Melvin Lee Eckard. Because after he and I made contact in (June 2013), he and I wrote "back-and-fourth" to each other, every few weeks (and I'm so glad I kept all his letters, cards and packages that he ever sent to me) and the fact that my Dad "Pop" Melvin kept asking "ME" when I was going to move back to (Newark, Ohio) where my DAD said "I" Belonged... He even sent me "2" Greyhound Bus Tickets, to which he sent me the first one on (May 18th, 2013), which I wanted our first visit to be "Special," so I changed the dates of my "Greyhound Bus Ticket," to (June 11th-27th, 2013) so we could spend "Father's Day Weekend" together, to be reunited with my Dad, since he last saw me when I was only "3" Months old, back in (June of 1966) in Newark, Licking County, Ohio. But, since he and my young teen mother (Sandra Fay NEWLIN Brooks-Wilson, 1948-2018) never married, and my Mother ended up marrying my older "Half-Sister" (Tammy Brooks) father (Terry Robert Brooks, 1942-Living) in (1965), instead, and so I was raised by my Mother. But then when my Mother married her second husband (Robert "Bob" Eugene Wilson, 1941-2007) in (1971) he moved our family from Newark, Licking County, Ohio., down to "Central Florida," in (1972). But a few weeks before my dear mother's death in (June of 2018), that's when my dear father "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) had sent me the second "Greyhound Bus Ticket," on (May 18th, 2018), telling me that he wanted me back at home in (Newark, Ohio) where HE said "I" Belonged... Though I only got to spend the last "9 years" of my Dad's life with him, I will always cherish every minute we shared together. And, boy, do I miss hearing his "voice," and getting his phone calls, and his "Hugs," and the nice "Country Drives," he would take me on, in Newark, Heath, Hebron, Grandville, Somerset, Thornville, Buckeye Lake, and other surrounding towns (because, boy, did my dear father know the "Streets" like the back of his hand: "That he would always ask me," Rebecca, do you know where you're at? And whenever I would tell him, "No," he would always tell me: "Well," don't worry, as long as you're with me you'll never get lost, because I know where I'm at!" My Dad "Pop" Melvin, had called me on both (April 2nd, 2022, and again "8" times, on (April 3rd, 2022) wanting to come over and see me (but I had errands to run that day with a friend so by the time I got back home it was too late to call my Dad back for him to come over and spend time with me) so I called him the next morning on (April 3rd, 2022) inviting him over for lunch "because he loved eating Sloppy Joe Manwich Sandwiches." But he said had already ate, and was sitting at a "Bicycle Trail," watching people riding their bikes and he teased me "like he often did," saying I needed to ride a bike, too... So I know my Dad still had his "CAR" with him on (April 2nd, and also on April 3rd, 2022). And with my Dad's poor injured foot and leg (that he obtained from that almost fatal "Motorcycle Accident," back in (October of 2009) when he was with my stepbrother, Matthew. There was no way my Dad would have walked to a "Bike Trail," so he still had to have his "CAR," with him that day "when he last talked to me" on (April 3rd, 2022). But somehow his "CAR" suspiciously wasn't at his house on the night of the terrible accident on (April 4th, 2022), because the authorities had told me that my stepbrother, Matthew, had told them "that my Dad's "CAR" was in a SHOP." Which I found to be quite "ODD," (because my Dad was a very talented "Mechanic," and every time I would call him up and ask him what he was doing? He would often tell me that he was working on his "CAR." And whenever I would ask him why he just doesn't take his "CAR" to an "Auto Shop," my Dad would always tell me: "Why would I do that, when I'm a good mechanic, and was a mechanic in the U.S. Army, so I know how to work on my own car!" And, "NO WAY," would my Dad burn "Mail," in his closed "Garage," with no proper ventilation, either, (especially, when my Dad showed me his backyard "Fire Pit" (where he said he burnt his old mail in)... So I pray GOD will reveal the truth about my Dad's very "SUSPICIOUS" "Garage Fire" Death, because My dear father didn't deserve to die like he did. And he was still very sharp-minded and knew a lot of things (like who he was and his name and birthday and he would even recite his U.S. Army I.D. Number to me all the time, and he knew his parents and siblings, and where he lived, and he would drive me around all the time "showing me all the old houses that he used to live in and all his old jobs, and he was always sending me letters, cards and packages) even though he suffered from "Severe TBI" from a bad head injury (that he was in a coma for "2" Months) from an almost fatal "Motorcycle Accident," that he told me he had back in (October of 2009) when he was with my stepbrother (Matthew). But my stepbrother (Matthew) is going around telling people that My Dad had (Dementia) for the past (10 years), which me and other family relatives all highly doubt (because we all said my Dad "Pop" Melvin knew too much information and still functioned and drove himself around (which doesn't show any signs of having "Dementia," for the past "10 Years,")... So I don't believe my Dad had (Dementia), because I've read up on Dementia and TBI, and it said that "TBI" can mimic "Dementia," so my poor father's health decline was all due to that almost terrible fatal "2009" Motorcycle Accident, when he was with my stepbrother (Matthew), which my Dad shouldn't have even been on a "Motorcycle," anyway. But, despite my Dad's "Severe TBI Head Injury," many of his relatives all agree with me, in saying: That my Dad "Pop" Melvin knew too much information and knew who he was and what he was doing, that, until a doctor's report states otherwise, I will not believe that he suffered from "Dementia," but rather from ("Severe TBI"), instead. But either way, I still think my Dad's whole (Garage Fire) and his DEATH was very very "SUSPICIOUS!" Because I was told back in (2013) by Matthew's first late Ex-wife (Johnna Sue Satterfield, 1971-2018) that my two stepsiblings were both fighting over who was going to get my Dad's HOUSE and his MONEY, etc... But then in (December of 2020) another person "who said she knew my two stepsiblings quite well, because they went to school with them and lived on the same street as them, shockenly told me that my two greedy stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) had helped set their Mother (Rose Ann) HOUSE on "FIRE," to get out of the Bank "Foreclosing" on her home, and that they were so "MONEY HUNGRY" and GREEDY" that Rose and her two kids (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) took off with the "Insurance Money," and chased off my younger "Half-Brother" (Jason Scott Eckard, 1972-Living). I tried to make a peacefully friendly family connection with my two younger stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea), but back in (May of 2012), my heartless hateful stepsister (Loralea) had told me on "Facebook," to F*ck Off!!! And back in (June of 2013) when I spent over "2 weeks" with my Dad "Pop" Melvin at his house, and my Dad had asked my stepbrother (Matthew) to come over and meet me. I was shocked when I first met (Matthew) because as soon as he got out of his vehicle, Matthew punched his "FIST" into his other hand, I guess to try and scare me off... But it didn't work!!! Then, while I was making us all dinner at my Dad's house, my stepbrother (Matthew) had told his future second wife (Jennifer Lynn Schwamb, 1971-Living) that when my Dad "Pop" Melvin dies, that (Matthew) was getting my Dad's HOUSE. Nobody even mentioned "WHO" was getting "WHAT" of my dear Father's, and I had told my Dad "Pop" Melvin from "Day 1," that I wasn't after his Money or his House, etc... And, also while visiting with my Dad, he and I had drove over to Matthew's fiancée (Jennifer's House) to deliver her a lounging lawn chair "that my father had found for her at a garage sale," so my Dad and I drove to her house to give it to her, but as soon as we got out of my Dad's Car, (Jennifer) had told my Dad: "Mel," you have got to stop giving Matthew money to help him pay his bills and car payment, because he needs to grow up and be a responsible adult!" After spending that time with my dear father in (June 2013), and he and I had gotten close quite quickly (that when it came time for me to get back onto the "Greyhound Bus" back to Florida, my Dad and I just "CRIED and CRIED," and my dear father had bought me my very first "Cellphone," bless his dear heart, and as my bus was pulling away, my Dad had called me up, crying, and said to me: "I miss you already, Rebecca!" When am I going to see you again? That, after I met my Dad "Pop" Melvin, even my stepbrother Matthew's first late Ex-wife (Johnna) had told me: "Boy," Becky, every since your Dad Melvin met you, you're all he ever talks about! Then (Johnna) warned me that my two younger stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) didn't like "ME" coming into my Dad's LIFE and would do everything they possibly could to keep "ME" from getting closier to my DAD "Pop" Melvin (because Johnna told me that Matthew, and his sister were both after my Dad's house and his money, and that they will NOT share anything with me or my two younger brothers, that they were even trying to get their younger "Half-Brother" (Jason) committed, so they can get his share of any inheritance... But, after me waiting "47" long years to meet and know my dear father "Pop" Melvin, I was NOT going to let my two younger jealous spiteful stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) stop my Dad and I from getting closer as "Father & Daughter." But, then, by (March o 2014) my stepbrother (Matthew) had wrote me a nasty message on facebook, telling me NOT to come back to "Ohio," and that OHIO had nothing for me, and that his father wasn't going to take care of me, for me to stay down in Florida! First of all, "I" never asked or expected my Dad "Pop" Melvin Lee Eckard to take care of "ME," because GOD and my dear Mother already did a great job in raising "ME" up in the Ways of the LORD! And, secondly, my stepbrother (Matthew) was right about one thing... HIS real birth father (Danny Lee Queen, 1944-2015) WASN"T going to take care of ME!!! So after I met my dear father "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) he and I bonded really close, that after my dear Mother (Sandra Fay NEWLIN Brooks-Wilson, 1948-2018) sadly passed away, my Dad "Pop" Melvin was determined to get "ME" back to OHIO (where he said "I" belonged) that he sent me some money to help me rent a "Moving U-Haul Van," to get back to Ohio, by (July of 2018), and at first he wanted me to stay with him at his house, but then I think he was afraid of my two mean-spirited jealous stepsibling (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) finding out (because he told me that "Loralea," liked to beat people up, so he didn't want me to be around her), and Matthew's first late Ex-wife (Johnna) had also told me that after (Matthew) had told me to not come back to "Ohio," back in (March of 2014), Johnna told me that when she asked my Dad "Pop" Melvin why he stopped calling me and writing to me for awhile. She told me that my DAD "POP" MELVIN had told her: "Because, Matthew said I wasn't allowed!" Johnna told me that my younger jealous stepbrother (Matthew) had gave my Dad "Pop" Melvin an automative, telling him he had to choose. Either (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea, or "ME." And that "IF" my Dad "Pop" Melvin had chosen to keep in touch with "ME," that (Matthew) threatened him (by saying he wouldn't let my Dad see Matthew's kids (Tyler and Kiley) anymore, and MATTHEW knew darn well that (KILEY MARIE) was my Dad's "Pride & Joy!" But, despite Matthew's threats, my dear father "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) still kept in touch with me throughout the years, and even when I finally did move back home to "Newark, Ohio," my Dad "bless his heart," would have to sneak over to my place (to spend time with "ME") so my DAD wanted ME in his LIFE... May He "REST in PEACE," until I get to see him again someday in (Heaven). You will NOT be forgotten, DAD-E-O "Pop" Melvin!!! I LOVE and MISS Him, so much...
Son of Charles Albert Eckard, and Zola Juanita Triplett.
(Noted): Melvin Lee Eckard (23), enlisted into the United States Army, on August 28th, 1961, in Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. He went to serve his Basic Training for "Boot Camp," on October 16th, 1961, in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and then spent some time in Basic Combat Training, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He served a "2" year term, in the Army, stationed over in Frankfurt, Germany.
(Relationship): Melvin Lee Eckard, had a relationship with (Sandra Fay Newlin) in (June-August of 1965), and they had a daughter together.
(Child): 1
1) Rebecca "Becky" Sue ECKARD (Brooks/Wilson),
(1966-Living).
(1st Wife): Rosalyn "Rose" Ann Johnson.
Melvin Lee Eckard (32) married Rose Ann JOHNSON Alder (23) on March 16th, 1970, in Tazewell County, Virginia., by Fred F. Wyatt, of the W. Methodist Church. Melvin also took in Rose' daughter (Kristi Lynn Rinker) from her prior relationship with her "High School Classmate," (Kerry Lee Rinker, 1946-Living). My father "Pop" Melvin told me he separated from Rose, by September of 1973, and that he divorced her on (February 12th, 1974), in Newark or Heath, Licking Co., Ohio. And that shortly after their divorce, that his Ex-wife, Rose, had married (Kerry Lee Rinker, 1946-Living).
(Rose' Children):
2) Matthew Lee, son of (Danny Lee Queen, 1944-2015)
(1970-Living).
3) Loralea "Lora" Sue, daughter of (Kerry Lee Rinker, 1946-Living)
(1971-Living).
(Melvin and Rose had a Son together): Jason
4) Jason Scott Eckard,
(1972-Living).
(2nd Wife): Patricia "Patsy" (Davis) Marsh.
Melvin Lee Eckard (39), married Patricia "Patsy" (Davis) Marsh (32), on September 6th, 1977, in McMinville, Cannon Co., Tennessee. There were no children born from this union. They were divorced by (1977-78).
(Relationship): Sandra Lipps (Freeman) Spicer.
Melvin Lee Eckard, had a relationship with Sandra Lipps (Freeman) Spicer, and they had a son together.
5) Melvin Thurman Spicer,
(1978-Living).
(3rd Wife): Terrie Lou (Hayes) Mitchell-Lowe-Eckard-Barker-Craig,
(1952-2013).
Melvin Lee Eckard (47), married Terrie Lou (Hayes) Lowe (33), on (October 5th, 1985), in Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio. There were no children born from this union. They were divorced on (July 30th, 1986), in Heath, Licking County, Ohio.
(Siblings): 3
~ Gary Roger Eckard,
(1936-2003).
* Melvin Lee Eckard,
(1938-2022).
~ Danny Carroll Eckard,
(1944-Living).
~ Bonnie Juanita (Eckard) Brandon-
Ricciardo, (1947-Living).
(Noted): Melvin was the 2nd child, and the 2nd son of Charles and Zola Eckard.
(Beloved Pets): (Rusty) "a German Shepherd; (Dawg) "a white German Shepherd," (Tigger) "a tiger tabby cat," (Boo) "a white cat," (Shadow) "his beloved buddy, a grey tiger tabby cat," and (Sindy) "an orange tiger tabby." My Dad is so silly, always telling "ME," that his one cat "Shadow" KNOWS... Knows What? How to be a CAT! :) "Hee-Hee."
(Occupation): Retired Stationary Engineer.
(Job History): My father Melvin told me as a young boy, that his very first job was delivering "Newspapers" with his older brother, Gary, in Newark, Ohio. Then, in his teen years, he worked as a "Caddy," at a local Golf Course, in Ohio. Then, after he returned back from serving a two year term in the United States Army (1961-1963), he worked for the city, as a "City Utility Worker," in Newark, Ohio. Then, he worked at the Newark Air Force Base, located in Newark, Ohio; and then he worked at "Kaiser Aluminum Factory," as an "Engineer." Then, he worked for "Rockwell-Standard Corporation Vehicle Parts Plant," as a "Welder," in Heath, Ohio., but then went back to work for "Kaiser Aluminum," from (1979-1999), and retired after 20 years of service, as a "Stationary Engineer."
(Service): United States Army (1961-1963).
(Military Information):
(Rank In): Private, Melvin Lee Eckard.
(Age of Enlistment): 23
(Branch Served): U.S. Army.
(State Served): Ohio.
(Enlistment Date): August 28th, 1961.
(Enlisted Where): Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio.
He went to serve his Basic Training for "Boot Camp," on October 16th, 1961, in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He served a "2" year term, in the Army, stationed over in Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Germany, on the U.S.S. Buckner.
(Unit): 5th Ohio Army Regiment.
(Job Title): Army Mechanic (worked on the military Jeeps, Trucks, and Tanks).
(Other Military Achievements): My Dad "Melvin" said he was also part of the (Sharpshooters "Spec-4" Specialist Unit).
(Noted): While in Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Germany, my father said he also went to Reinis, France, and Rotterdam, Holland (Netherlands), and that he loved seeing all the "Castles," there.
(Rank Out): Corporal, E-F, Melvin Lee Eckard.
(Discharge Date): August 28th, 1963.
(Discharged Where): Fort Dix, New Jersey.
(Hobbies): My Dad "Pop" Melvin likes the outdoors, and enjoys fishing and hunting, and taking pictures, and taking long drives to his early birth place (Amesville, Athens Co., Ohio) and to his early childhood of (Chesterhill, Morgan Co., Ohio) and through Newark and Heath, Licking Co., Ohio., and other nearby townships, enjoying and "reminiscing" his life story. He also likes doing his family "Genealogy" research, and enjoys taking nature trail walks, and, has a compassionate heart towards God's precious animals, "where as a child he told me he would find injured animals in the woods and help mend them back to good health," bless his heart. During his younger teen years, my "Pop" Melvin also had a love for cars and enjoyed working on cars or trucks, and said he learned a lot about mechanical work, from his father Charles, and his Uncle Bernard Lee Triplet (his mother's younger brother). Also, during his later teen years my silly "ornery" father also liked jumping in his convertible car, drag racing down the streets of Newark and Heath, Ohio., (like most boys his age did "during the 1950's)... "Hee-Hee." He said one time a police officer had to chase him to the next town, and when he finally caught up to my silly ornery Dad, the police officer asked my Dad, "What kind of motor engine do you have in your car?" And my Dad told the Police Officer: "A Stock-Car Engine." I still think my father should have been a "Cop," since he loved driving really fast, and loves driving around. It truly amazes me how much my Dad knows about the history of Ohio., and all the townships and the back roads, (that he's always getting out a map and likes to take a journey about here and there, on his joy rides along his travel adventures). I told him he should have been an Ohioan Historian, since he knows a lot about "Ohio," and enjoys taking scenic pictures of Ohio. My Dad also told me "while he was growing up," that he also loved learning all about the "Engineer" trade from both his Grandfather, John Wesley Eckard, (whom he said was a gifted and talented Blacksmith/Coal Miner Engineer) who was ahead of his time "who would even make up his own tools." And, he also told me that he learned a lot from his father, Charles Albert Eckard, too. My father "Pop" Melvin, also enjoys listening to Music, and watching old Classic Movies, and, "Boy, does he love "Chocolate Covered-Raisins." :) His little bud and sidekick is his silly cat "Shadow." :)
(Census Records for Melvin Lee Eckard):
(1940 Census): Under his father, Charles Albert Eckard.
(Noted) Ancestry.com has Charles Albert Eskard; but it clearly shows: ECKARD.
(Head) Charles Albert Eckard 30 1910 Ohio.
(Wife) Zola Juanita Eckard 26 1914 Ohio.
(Son) Gerry Roger Eckard 4 1936 Ohio.
(Son) Melvin Lee Eckard 2 1938 Ohio.
Living in: Chesterhill, Morgan, Ohio.
(Noted): Census said they lived on Street: Church Street, and that their prior residence in 1935 was in: Rural, Athens, Ohio. And, that Charles' occupation was: Assistant Engineer for a Private Gas Company. (Also Noted): Gerry should be (Gary). *Being that my father (Melvin) was "2" years old under the "1940" U.S. Census, and by me posting his picture "that he sent me" of him being around "2 years old," it helps show us what he looked like around that time. So "Thanks," Pop Melvin. :)
(1950 Census) Under his father, Chas A. Eckard (Charles A. Eckard):
(Head) Chas A. Eckard, 40 (1910) Ohio.
(Wife) Zola J. Eckard, 36 (1914) Ohio.
(Son) Gary R. Eckard, 14 (1936) Ohio.
(Son) Melvin L. Eckard, 12 (1938) Ohio.
(Son) Danny C. Eckard, 5 (1945) Ohio.
(Dau) Bonnie J. Eckard, 2 (1948) Ohio.
Living in: Newark, Licking County, Ohio.
(Noted): Census stated that Chas (Charles) Occupation was that of a "Stationary Fireman" (most likely at the "Heisey Glass Factory"); and, that, Charles also worked at an "Electric Company," too. Zola was "Keeping House," and sons (Gary and Melvin) both worked as "Caddies" at a Golf Course.
Love you "Pop" Melvin... Your daughter, Rebecca Sue. :)
(Noted): My Dad "Pop" Melvin Lee Eckard, told me that his (Eckhard/Eckhardt) ECKARD Ancestors were from Idar-Oberstein, Germany.
(Obituary) Posted online on (April 07, 2022) and Published in the "Newark Advocate Newspaper," on (April 8th, 2022).
Melvin "Mel" Lee Eckard
Newark - Melvin "Mel" Lee Eckard, 84, of Newark, died Monday, April 4, 2022, at his home. He was born January 7, 1938, in Amesville, Athens County, Ohio, to the late Charles Albert and Zola Juanita (Triplett) Eckard. Melvin loved the outdoors, and working on cars, and driving around reminiscing.
Melvin served in the U.S. Army as a Mechanic from (1961-63); and had retired as a stationary engineer from Kaiser Aluminum after 20 years of service. He is survived by his children, Rebecca Wilson, Matthew, Loralea, Jason, and Melvin Spicer, all of Newark; and grandchildren, Olivia F., Dallas, Tyler, Kiley, Oliva J.; Rory, Cody and Austin; a brother, Danny Eckard of Ohio; and sister, Bonnie Ricciardo of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Gary Eckard.
(Death Information Correction): Sadly, Due to two mean-spirited stepsiblings, Matthew and his sister, Loralea (who would NOT tell "ME" my Dad's eldest known child and daughter, or my Dad "Pop" Melvin's other youngest son (Melvin Spicer) about our own flesh-n-blood father's Horrific Tragic "Garage Fire" Accident, or include "Me" or my youngest brother (Melvin Jr.) in on our own father's "Funeral & Burial Arrangements," either (with my two mean-spirited heartless spiteful stepsiblings totally leaving "MY" NAME (Rebecca Sue Wilson), and that of my youngest "Half-Brother" (Melvin Spicer's NAME) totally out of our father's "Vensil & Chute Funeral Home" OBITUARY, because when I spoke to the funeral director, Bradley Chute, he told me he was just going by the "Orders" of (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea "Lora"), who both knew darn well that my DAD "Pop" Melvin Lee Eckard, had two other children (Myself, Rebecca Sue Wilson, and Melvin Spicer), because we both have "Ancestry DNA Proof," too prove it; and plus my youngest brother told me that my stepbrother (Matthew) found the "Paternity Test "that our Dad "Pop" Melvin had to do with my youngest brother (Melvin Jr). And, plus, the fact that my Dad "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) and I were in contact with each other, since (June 2013) up until (April 3rd, 2022) before he was badly injured and burnt in a "SUSPICIOUS" (Garage Fire) at his home, on (April 4th, 2022). But, since my two mean-spirited heartless spiteful stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) wouldn't tell "ME" or my youngest brother (Melvin Jr.) anything about our Dad's Tragic Horrific "Garage Fire" Accident and Death, my Dad's sister (My Aunt Bonnie) was the caring thoughtful one who told me about the sad "NEWS" about my Dad's Sudden Passing, which sadly left "ME" in SHOCK for days... So I corrected my Dad's "DEATH DATE," as he actually died on (April 5th, 2022), and not on (April 4th), because I was told by the authorities that though my dear father was in cardiac arrest "when the firemen found him inside his garage breezeway," and that they had to revive him outside his house, his burns on his face, arms and legs, were so severe, that after he arrived to the "Licking Memorial Hospital," that he was then quickly flown up to the "Ohio State University Hospital's Burnt Unit," in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. And I called and spoke to a lady there at the "Ohio State University Hospital" Burnt Unit, who sadly confirmed to me "that my father had sadly died there," at the (Ohio State University Hospital's Burn Unit). I was still in "SHOCK," and couldn't believe my dear father was actually GONE, until I called and obtained a copy of my Dad "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022)'s Death Certificate, that confirms his death date. It's a crying shame when a family has hateful heartless jealous mean-spirited spiteful people "who won't tell all a Father's CHILDREN about their father's Horrific Tragic Accident and Death (especially when his children "that are sadly being left out" still keep in touch with him). But, due to my Dad's very SUSPICIOUS DEATH, his death is being investigated. But, sadly, "Oh," how I miss my dear "FATHER" (Pop) Melvin Lee Eckard. Because after he and I made contact in (June 2013), he and I wrote "back-and-fourth" to each other, every few weeks (and I'm so glad I kept all his letters, cards and packages that he ever sent to me) and the fact that my Dad "Pop" Melvin kept asking "ME" when I was going to move back to (Newark, Ohio) where my DAD said "I" Belonged... He even sent me "2" Greyhound Bus Tickets, to which he sent me the first one on (May 18th, 2013), which I wanted our first visit to be "Special," so I changed the dates of my "Greyhound Bus Ticket," to (June 11th-27th, 2013) so we could spend "Father's Day Weekend" together, to be reunited with my Dad, since he last saw me when I was only "3" Months old, back in (June of 1966) in Newark, Licking County, Ohio. But, since he and my young teen mother (Sandra Fay NEWLIN Brooks-Wilson, 1948-2018) never married, and my Mother ended up marrying my older "Half-Sister" (Tammy Brooks) father (Terry Robert Brooks, 1942-Living) in (1965), instead, and so I was raised by my Mother. But then when my Mother married her second husband (Robert "Bob" Eugene Wilson, 1941-2007) in (1971) he moved our family from Newark, Licking County, Ohio., down to "Central Florida," in (1972). But a few weeks before my dear mother's death in (June of 2018), that's when my dear father "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) had sent me the second "Greyhound Bus Ticket," on (May 18th, 2018), telling me that he wanted me back at home in (Newark, Ohio) where HE said "I" Belonged... Though I only got to spend the last "9 years" of my Dad's life with him, I will always cherish every minute we shared together. And, boy, do I miss hearing his "voice," and getting his phone calls, and his "Hugs," and the nice "Country Drives," he would take me on, in Newark, Heath, Hebron, Grandville, Somerset, Thornville, Buckeye Lake, and other surrounding towns (because, boy, did my dear father know the "Streets" like the back of his hand: "That he would always ask me," Rebecca, do you know where you're at? And whenever I would tell him, "No," he would always tell me: "Well," don't worry, as long as you're with me you'll never get lost, because I know where I'm at!" My Dad "Pop" Melvin, had called me on both (April 2nd, 2022, and again "8" times, on (April 3rd, 2022) wanting to come over and see me (but I had errands to run that day with a friend so by the time I got back home it was too late to call my Dad back for him to come over and spend time with me) so I called him the next morning on (April 3rd, 2022) inviting him over for lunch "because he loved eating Sloppy Joe Manwich Sandwiches." But he said had already ate, and was sitting at a "Bicycle Trail," watching people riding their bikes and he teased me "like he often did," saying I needed to ride a bike, too... So I know my Dad still had his "CAR" with him on (April 2nd, and also on April 3rd, 2022). And with my Dad's poor injured foot and leg (that he obtained from that almost fatal "Motorcycle Accident," back in (October of 2009) when he was with my stepbrother, Matthew. There was no way my Dad would have walked to a "Bike Trail," so he still had to have his "CAR," with him that day "when he last talked to me" on (April 3rd, 2022). But somehow his "CAR" suspiciously wasn't at his house on the night of the terrible accident on (April 4th, 2022), because the authorities had told me that my stepbrother, Matthew, had told them "that my Dad's "CAR" was in a SHOP." Which I found to be quite "ODD," (because my Dad was a very talented "Mechanic," and every time I would call him up and ask him what he was doing? He would often tell me that he was working on his "CAR." And whenever I would ask him why he just doesn't take his "CAR" to an "Auto Shop," my Dad would always tell me: "Why would I do that, when I'm a good mechanic, and was a mechanic in the U.S. Army, so I know how to work on my own car!" And, "NO WAY," would my Dad burn "Mail," in his closed "Garage," with no proper ventilation, either, (especially, when my Dad showed me his backyard "Fire Pit" (where he said he burnt his old mail in)... So I pray GOD will reveal the truth about my Dad's very "SUSPICIOUS" "Garage Fire" Death, because My dear father didn't deserve to die like he did. And he was still very sharp-minded and knew a lot of things (like who he was and his name and birthday and he would even recite his U.S. Army I.D. Number to me all the time, and he knew his parents and siblings, and where he lived, and he would drive me around all the time "showing me all the old houses that he used to live in and all his old jobs, and he was always sending me letters, cards and packages) even though he suffered from "Severe TBI" from a bad head injury (that he was in a coma for "2" Months) from an almost fatal "Motorcycle Accident," that he told me he had back in (October of 2009) when he was with my stepbrother (Matthew). But my stepbrother (Matthew) is going around telling people that My Dad had (Dementia) for the past (10 years), which me and other family relatives all highly doubt (because we all said my Dad "Pop" Melvin knew too much information and still functioned and drove himself around (which doesn't show any signs of having "Dementia," for the past "10 Years,")... So I don't believe my Dad had (Dementia), because I've read up on Dementia and TBI, and it said that "TBI" can mimic "Dementia," so my poor father's health decline was all due to that almost terrible fatal "2009" Motorcycle Accident, when he was with my stepbrother (Matthew), which my Dad shouldn't have even been on a "Motorcycle," anyway. But, despite my Dad's "Severe TBI Head Injury," many of his relatives all agree with me, in saying: That my Dad "Pop" Melvin knew too much information and knew who he was and what he was doing, that, until a doctor's report states otherwise, I will not believe that he suffered from "Dementia," but rather from ("Severe TBI"), instead. But either way, I still think my Dad's whole (Garage Fire) and his DEATH was very very "SUSPICIOUS!" Because I was told back in (2013) by Matthew's first late Ex-wife (Johnna Sue Satterfield, 1971-2018) that my two stepsiblings were both fighting over who was going to get my Dad's HOUSE and his MONEY, etc... But then in (December of 2020) another person "who said she knew my two stepsiblings quite well, because they went to school with them and lived on the same street as them, shockenly told me that my two greedy stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) had helped set their Mother (Rose Ann) HOUSE on "FIRE," to get out of the Bank "Foreclosing" on her home, and that they were so "MONEY HUNGRY" and GREEDY" that Rose and her two kids (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) took off with the "Insurance Money," and chased off my younger "Half-Brother" (Jason Scott Eckard, 1972-Living). I tried to make a peacefully friendly family connection with my two younger stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea), but back in (May of 2012), my heartless hateful stepsister (Loralea) had told me on "Facebook," to F*ck Off!!! And back in (June of 2013) when I spent over "2 weeks" with my Dad "Pop" Melvin at his house, and my Dad had asked my stepbrother (Matthew) to come over and meet me. I was shocked when I first met (Matthew) because as soon as he got out of his vehicle, Matthew punched his "FIST" into his other hand, I guess to try and scare me off... But it didn't work!!! Then, while I was making us all dinner at my Dad's house, my stepbrother (Matthew) had told his future second wife (Jennifer Lynn Schwamb, 1971-Living) that when my Dad "Pop" Melvin dies, that (Matthew) was getting my Dad's HOUSE. Nobody even mentioned "WHO" was getting "WHAT" of my dear Father's, and I had told my Dad "Pop" Melvin from "Day 1," that I wasn't after his Money or his House, etc... And, also while visiting with my Dad, he and I had drove over to Matthew's fiancée (Jennifer's House) to deliver her a lounging lawn chair "that my father had found for her at a garage sale," so my Dad and I drove to her house to give it to her, but as soon as we got out of my Dad's Car, (Jennifer) had told my Dad: "Mel," you have got to stop giving Matthew money to help him pay his bills and car payment, because he needs to grow up and be a responsible adult!" After spending that time with my dear father in (June 2013), and he and I had gotten close quite quickly (that when it came time for me to get back onto the "Greyhound Bus" back to Florida, my Dad and I just "CRIED and CRIED," and my dear father had bought me my very first "Cellphone," bless his dear heart, and as my bus was pulling away, my Dad had called me up, crying, and said to me: "I miss you already, Rebecca!" When am I going to see you again? That, after I met my Dad "Pop" Melvin, even my stepbrother Matthew's first late Ex-wife (Johnna) had told me: "Boy," Becky, every since your Dad Melvin met you, you're all he ever talks about! Then (Johnna) warned me that my two younger stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) didn't like "ME" coming into my Dad's LIFE and would do everything they possibly could to keep "ME" from getting closier to my DAD "Pop" Melvin (because Johnna told me that Matthew, and his sister were both after my Dad's house and his money, and that they will NOT share anything with me or my two younger brothers, that they were even trying to get their younger "Half-Brother" (Jason) committed, so they can get his share of any inheritance... But, after me waiting "47" long years to meet and know my dear father "Pop" Melvin, I was NOT going to let my two younger jealous spiteful stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) stop my Dad and I from getting closer as "Father & Daughter." But, then, by (March o 2014) my stepbrother (Matthew) had wrote me a nasty message on facebook, telling me NOT to come back to "Ohio," and that OHIO had nothing for me, and that his father wasn't going to take care of me, for me to stay down in Florida! First of all, "I" never asked or expected my Dad "Pop" Melvin Lee Eckard to take care of "ME," because GOD and my dear Mother already did a great job in raising "ME" up in the Ways of the LORD! And, secondly, my stepbrother (Matthew) was right about one thing... HIS real birth father (Danny Lee Queen, 1944-2015) WASN"T going to take care of ME!!! So after I met my dear father "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) he and I bonded really close, that after my dear Mother (Sandra Fay NEWLIN Brooks-Wilson, 1948-2018) sadly passed away, my Dad "Pop" Melvin was determined to get "ME" back to OHIO (where he said "I" belonged) that he sent me some money to help me rent a "Moving U-Haul Van," to get back to Ohio, by (July of 2018), and at first he wanted me to stay with him at his house, but then I think he was afraid of my two mean-spirited jealous stepsibling (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) finding out (because he told me that "Loralea," liked to beat people up, so he didn't want me to be around her), and Matthew's first late Ex-wife (Johnna) had also told me that after (Matthew) had told me to not come back to "Ohio," back in (March of 2014), Johnna told me that when she asked my Dad "Pop" Melvin why he stopped calling me and writing to me for awhile. She told me that my DAD "POP" MELVIN had told her: "Because, Matthew said I wasn't allowed!" Johnna told me that my younger jealous stepbrother (Matthew) had gave my Dad "Pop" Melvin an automative, telling him he had to choose. Either (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea, or "ME." And that "IF" my Dad "Pop" Melvin had chosen to keep in touch with "ME," that (Matthew) threatened him (by saying he wouldn't let my Dad see Matthew's kids (Tyler and Kiley) anymore, and MATTHEW knew darn well that (KILEY MARIE) was my Dad's "Pride & Joy!" But, despite Matthew's threats, my dear father "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) still kept in touch with me throughout the years, and even when I finally did move back home to "Newark, Ohio," my Dad "bless his heart," would have to sneak over to my place (to spend time with "ME") so my DAD wanted ME in his LIFE... May He "REST in PEACE," until I get to see him again someday in (Heaven). You will NOT be forgotten, DAD-E-O "Pop" Melvin!!! I LOVE and MISS Him, so much...
(Noted): Melvin Lee Eckard (23), enlisted into the United States Army, on August 28th, 1961, in Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. He went to serve his Basic Training for "Boot Camp," on October 16th, 1961, in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and then spent some time in Basic Combat Training, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He served a "2" year term, in the Army, stationed over in Frankfurt, Germany.
(Relationship): Melvin Lee Eckard, had a relationship with (Sandra Fay Newlin) in (June-August of 1965), and they had a daughter together.
(Child): 1
1) Rebecca "Becky" Sue ECKARD (Brooks/Wilson),
(1966-Living).
(1st Wife): Rosalyn "Rose" Ann Johnson.
Melvin Lee Eckard (32) married Rose Ann JOHNSON Alder (23) on March 16th, 1970, in Tazewell County, Virginia., by Fred F. Wyatt, of the W. Methodist Church. Melvin also took in Rose' daughter (Kristi Lynn Rinker) from her prior relationship with her "High School Classmate," (Kerry Lee Rinker, 1946-Living). My father "Pop" Melvin told me he separated from Rose, by September of 1973, and that he divorced her on (February 12th, 1974), in Newark or Heath, Licking Co., Ohio. And that shortly after their divorce, that his Ex-wife, Rose, had married (Kerry Lee Rinker, 1946-Living).
(Rose' Children):
2) Matthew Lee, son of (Danny Lee Queen, 1944-2015)
(1970-Living).
3) Loralea "Lora" Sue, daughter of (Kerry Lee Rinker, 1946-Living)
(1971-Living).
(Melvin and Rose had a Son together): Jason
4) Jason Scott Eckard,
(1972-Living).
(2nd Wife): Patricia "Patsy" (Davis) Marsh.
Melvin Lee Eckard (39), married Patricia "Patsy" (Davis) Marsh (32), on September 6th, 1977, in McMinville, Cannon Co., Tennessee. There were no children born from this union. They were divorced by (1977-78).
(Relationship): Sandra Lipps (Freeman) Spicer.
Melvin Lee Eckard, had a relationship with Sandra Lipps (Freeman) Spicer, and they had a son together.
5) Melvin Thurman Spicer,
(1978-Living).
(3rd Wife): Terrie Lou (Hayes) Mitchell-Lowe-Eckard-Barker-Craig,
(1952-2013).
Melvin Lee Eckard (47), married Terrie Lou (Hayes) Lowe (33), on (October 5th, 1985), in Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio. There were no children born from this union. They were divorced on (July 30th, 1986), in Heath, Licking County, Ohio.
(Siblings): 3
~ Gary Roger Eckard,
(1936-2003).
* Melvin Lee Eckard,
(1938-2022).
~ Danny Carroll Eckard,
(1944-Living).
~ Bonnie Juanita (Eckard) Brandon-
Ricciardo, (1947-Living).
(Noted): Melvin was the 2nd child, and the 2nd son of Charles and Zola Eckard.
(Beloved Pets): (Rusty) "a German Shepherd; (Dawg) "a white German Shepherd," (Tigger) "a tiger tabby cat," (Boo) "a white cat," (Shadow) "his beloved buddy, a grey tiger tabby cat," and (Sindy) "an orange tiger tabby." My Dad is so silly, always telling "ME," that his one cat "Shadow" KNOWS... Knows What? How to be a CAT! :) "Hee-Hee."
(Occupation): Retired Stationary Engineer.
(Job History): My father Melvin told me as a young boy, that his very first job was delivering "Newspapers" with his older brother, Gary, in Newark, Ohio. Then, in his teen years, he worked as a "Caddy," at a local Golf Course, in Ohio. Then, after he returned back from serving a two year term in the United States Army (1961-1963), he worked for the city, as a "City Utility Worker," in Newark, Ohio. Then, he worked at the Newark Air Force Base, located in Newark, Ohio; and then he worked at "Kaiser Aluminum Factory," as an "Engineer." Then, he worked for "Rockwell-Standard Corporation Vehicle Parts Plant," as a "Welder," in Heath, Ohio., but then went back to work for "Kaiser Aluminum," from (1979-1999), and retired after 20 years of service, as a "Stationary Engineer."
(Service): United States Army (1961-1963).
(Military Information):
(Rank In): Private, Melvin Lee Eckard.
(Age of Enlistment): 23
(Branch Served): U.S. Army.
(State Served): Ohio.
(Enlistment Date): August 28th, 1961.
(Enlisted Where): Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio.
He went to serve his Basic Training for "Boot Camp," on October 16th, 1961, in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He served a "2" year term, in the Army, stationed over in Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Germany, on the U.S.S. Buckner.
(Unit): 5th Ohio Army Regiment.
(Job Title): Army Mechanic (worked on the military Jeeps, Trucks, and Tanks).
(Other Military Achievements): My Dad "Melvin" said he was also part of the (Sharpshooters "Spec-4" Specialist Unit).
(Noted): While in Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Germany, my father said he also went to Reinis, France, and Rotterdam, Holland (Netherlands), and that he loved seeing all the "Castles," there.
(Rank Out): Corporal, E-F, Melvin Lee Eckard.
(Discharge Date): August 28th, 1963.
(Discharged Where): Fort Dix, New Jersey.
(Hobbies): My Dad "Pop" Melvin likes the outdoors, and enjoys fishing and hunting, and taking pictures, and taking long drives to his early birth place (Amesville, Athens Co., Ohio) and to his early childhood of (Chesterhill, Morgan Co., Ohio) and through Newark and Heath, Licking Co., Ohio., and other nearby townships, enjoying and "reminiscing" his life story. He also likes doing his family "Genealogy" research, and enjoys taking nature trail walks, and, has a compassionate heart towards God's precious animals, "where as a child he told me he would find injured animals in the woods and help mend them back to good health," bless his heart. During his younger teen years, my "Pop" Melvin also had a love for cars and enjoyed working on cars or trucks, and said he learned a lot about mechanical work, from his father Charles, and his Uncle Bernard Lee Triplet (his mother's younger brother). Also, during his later teen years my silly "ornery" father also liked jumping in his convertible car, drag racing down the streets of Newark and Heath, Ohio., (like most boys his age did "during the 1950's)... "Hee-Hee." He said one time a police officer had to chase him to the next town, and when he finally caught up to my silly ornery Dad, the police officer asked my Dad, "What kind of motor engine do you have in your car?" And my Dad told the Police Officer: "A Stock-Car Engine." I still think my father should have been a "Cop," since he loved driving really fast, and loves driving around. It truly amazes me how much my Dad knows about the history of Ohio., and all the townships and the back roads, (that he's always getting out a map and likes to take a journey about here and there, on his joy rides along his travel adventures). I told him he should have been an Ohioan Historian, since he knows a lot about "Ohio," and enjoys taking scenic pictures of Ohio. My Dad also told me "while he was growing up," that he also loved learning all about the "Engineer" trade from both his Grandfather, John Wesley Eckard, (whom he said was a gifted and talented Blacksmith/Coal Miner Engineer) who was ahead of his time "who would even make up his own tools." And, he also told me that he learned a lot from his father, Charles Albert Eckard, too. My father "Pop" Melvin, also enjoys listening to Music, and watching old Classic Movies, and, "Boy, does he love "Chocolate Covered-Raisins." :) His little bud and sidekick is his silly cat "Shadow." :)
(Census Records for Melvin Lee Eckard):
(1940 Census): Under his father, Charles Albert Eckard.
(Noted) Ancestry.com has Charles Albert Eskard; but it clearly shows: ECKARD.
(Head) Charles Albert Eckard 30 1910 Ohio.
(Wife) Zola Juanita Eckard 26 1914 Ohio.
(Son) Gerry Roger Eckard 4 1936 Ohio.
(Son) Melvin Lee Eckard 2 1938 Ohio.
Living in: Chesterhill, Morgan, Ohio.
(Noted): Census said they lived on Street: Church Street, and that their prior residence in 1935 was in: Rural, Athens, Ohio. And, that Charles' occupation was: Assistant Engineer for a Private Gas Company. (Also Noted): Gerry should be (Gary). *Being that my father (Melvin) was "2" years old under the "1940" U.S. Census, and by me posting his picture "that he sent me" of him being around "2 years old," it helps show us what he looked like around that time. So "Thanks," Pop Melvin. :)
(1950 Census) Under his father, Chas A. Eckard (Charles A. Eckard):
(Head) Chas A. Eckard, 40 (1910) Ohio.
(Wife) Zola J. Eckard, 36 (1914) Ohio.
(Son) Gary R. Eckard, 14 (1936) Ohio.
(Son) Melvin L. Eckard, 12 (1938) Ohio.
(Son) Danny C. Eckard, 5 (1945) Ohio.
(Dau) Bonnie J. Eckard, 2 (1948) Ohio.
Living in: Newark, Licking County, Ohio.
(Noted): Census stated that Chas (Charles) Occupation was that of a "Stationary Fireman" (most likely at the "Heisey Glass Factory"); and, that, Charles also worked at an "Electric Company," too. Zola was "Keeping House," and sons (Gary and Melvin) both worked as "Caddies" at a Golf Course.
Love you "Pop" Melvin... Your daughter, Rebecca Sue. :)
(Noted): My Dad "Pop" Melvin Lee Eckard, told me that his (Eckhard/Eckhardt) ECKARD Ancestors were from Idar-Oberstein, Germany.
(Obituary) Posted online on (April 07, 2022) and Published in the "Newark Advocate Newspaper," on (April 8th, 2022).
Melvin "Mel" Lee Eckard
Newark - Melvin "Mel" Lee Eckard, 84, of Newark, died Monday, April 4, 2022, at his home. He was born January 7, 1938, in Amesville, Athens County, Ohio, to the late Charles Albert and Zola Juanita (Triplett) Eckard. Melvin loved the outdoors, and working on cars, and driving around reminiscing.
Melvin served in the U.S. Army as a Mechanic from (1961-63); and had retired as a stationary engineer from Kaiser Aluminum after 20 years of service. He is survived by his children, Rebecca Wilson, Matthew, Loralea, Jason, and Melvin Spicer, all of Newark; and grandchildren, Olivia F., Dallas, Tyler, Kiley, Oliva J.; Rory, Cody and Austin; a brother, Danny Eckard of Ohio; and sister, Bonnie Ricciardo of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Gary Eckard.
(Death Information Correction): Sadly, Due to two mean-spirited stepsiblings, Matthew and his sister, Loralea (who would NOT tell "ME" my Dad's eldest known child and daughter, or my Dad "Pop" Melvin's other youngest son (Melvin Spicer) about our own flesh-n-blood father's Horrific Tragic "Garage Fire" Accident, or include "Me" or my youngest brother (Melvin Jr.) in on our own father's "Funeral & Burial Arrangements," either (with my two mean-spirited heartless spiteful stepsiblings totally leaving "MY" NAME (Rebecca Sue Wilson), and that of my youngest "Half-Brother" (Melvin Spicer's NAME) totally out of our father's "Vensil & Chute Funeral Home" OBITUARY, because when I spoke to the funeral director, Bradley Chute, he told me he was just going by the "Orders" of (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea "Lora"), who both knew darn well that my DAD "Pop" Melvin Lee Eckard, had two other children (Myself, Rebecca Sue Wilson, and Melvin Spicer), because we both have "Ancestry DNA Proof," too prove it; and plus my youngest brother told me that my stepbrother (Matthew) found the "Paternity Test "that our Dad "Pop" Melvin had to do with my youngest brother (Melvin Jr). And, plus, the fact that my Dad "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) and I were in contact with each other, since (June 2013) up until (April 3rd, 2022) before he was badly injured and burnt in a "SUSPICIOUS" (Garage Fire) at his home, on (April 4th, 2022). But, since my two mean-spirited heartless spiteful stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) wouldn't tell "ME" or my youngest brother (Melvin Jr.) anything about our Dad's Tragic Horrific "Garage Fire" Accident and Death, my Dad's sister (My Aunt Bonnie) was the caring thoughtful one who told me about the sad "NEWS" about my Dad's Sudden Passing, which sadly left "ME" in SHOCK for days... So I corrected my Dad's "DEATH DATE," as he actually died on (April 5th, 2022), and not on (April 4th), because I was told by the authorities that though my dear father was in cardiac arrest "when the firemen found him inside his garage breezeway," and that they had to revive him outside his house, his burns on his face, arms and legs, were so severe, that after he arrived to the "Licking Memorial Hospital," that he was then quickly flown up to the "Ohio State University Hospital's Burnt Unit," in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. And I called and spoke to a lady there at the "Ohio State University Hospital" Burnt Unit, who sadly confirmed to me "that my father had sadly died there," at the (Ohio State University Hospital's Burn Unit). I was still in "SHOCK," and couldn't believe my dear father was actually GONE, until I called and obtained a copy of my Dad "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022)'s Death Certificate, that confirms his death date. It's a crying shame when a family has hateful heartless jealous mean-spirited spiteful people "who won't tell all a Father's CHILDREN about their father's Horrific Tragic Accident and Death (especially when his children "that are sadly being left out" still keep in touch with him). But, due to my Dad's very SUSPICIOUS DEATH, his death is being investigated. But, sadly, "Oh," how I miss my dear "FATHER" (Pop) Melvin Lee Eckard. Because after he and I made contact in (June 2013), he and I wrote "back-and-fourth" to each other, every few weeks (and I'm so glad I kept all his letters, cards and packages that he ever sent to me) and the fact that my Dad "Pop" Melvin kept asking "ME" when I was going to move back to (Newark, Ohio) where my DAD said "I" Belonged... He even sent me "2" Greyhound Bus Tickets, to which he sent me the first one on (May 18th, 2013), which I wanted our first visit to be "Special," so I changed the dates of my "Greyhound Bus Ticket," to (June 11th-27th, 2013) so we could spend "Father's Day Weekend" together, to be reunited with my Dad, since he last saw me when I was only "3" Months old, back in (June of 1966) in Newark, Licking County, Ohio. But, since he and my young teen mother (Sandra Fay NEWLIN Brooks-Wilson, 1948-2018) never married, and my Mother ended up marrying my older "Half-Sister" (Tammy Brooks) father (Terry Robert Brooks, 1942-Living) in (1965), instead, and so I was raised by my Mother. But then when my Mother married her second husband (Robert "Bob" Eugene Wilson, 1941-2007) in (1971) he moved our family from Newark, Licking County, Ohio., down to "Central Florida," in (1972). But a few weeks before my dear mother's death in (June of 2018), that's when my dear father "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) had sent me the second "Greyhound Bus Ticket," on (May 18th, 2018), telling me that he wanted me back at home in (Newark, Ohio) where HE said "I" Belonged... Though I only got to spend the last "9 years" of my Dad's life with him, I will always cherish every minute we shared together. And, boy, do I miss hearing his "voice," and getting his phone calls, and his "Hugs," and the nice "Country Drives," he would take me on, in Newark, Heath, Hebron, Grandville, Somerset, Thornville, Buckeye Lake, and other surrounding towns (because, boy, did my dear father know the "Streets" like the back of his hand: "That he would always ask me," Rebecca, do you know where you're at? And whenever I would tell him, "No," he would always tell me: "Well," don't worry, as long as you're with me you'll never get lost, because I know where I'm at!" My Dad "Pop" Melvin, had called me on both (April 2nd, 2022, and again "8" times, on (April 3rd, 2022) wanting to come over and see me (but I had errands to run that day with a friend so by the time I got back home it was too late to call my Dad back for him to come over and spend time with me) so I called him the next morning on (April 3rd, 2022) inviting him over for lunch "because he loved eating Sloppy Joe Manwich Sandwiches." But he said had already ate, and was sitting at a "Bicycle Trail," watching people riding their bikes and he teased me "like he often did," saying I needed to ride a bike, too... So I know my Dad still had his "CAR" with him on (April 2nd, and also on April 3rd, 2022). And with my Dad's poor injured foot and leg (that he obtained from that almost fatal "Motorcycle Accident," back in (October of 2009) when he was with my stepbrother, Matthew. There was no way my Dad would have walked to a "Bike Trail," so he still had to have his "CAR," with him that day "when he last talked to me" on (April 3rd, 2022). But somehow his "CAR" suspiciously wasn't at his house on the night of the terrible accident on (April 4th, 2022), because the authorities had told me that my stepbrother, Matthew, had told them "that my Dad's "CAR" was in a SHOP." Which I found to be quite "ODD," (because my Dad was a very talented "Mechanic," and every time I would call him up and ask him what he was doing? He would often tell me that he was working on his "CAR." And whenever I would ask him why he just doesn't take his "CAR" to an "Auto Shop," my Dad would always tell me: "Why would I do that, when I'm a good mechanic, and was a mechanic in the U.S. Army, so I know how to work on my own car!" And, "NO WAY," would my Dad burn "Mail," in his closed "Garage," with no proper ventilation, either, (especially, when my Dad showed me his backyard "Fire Pit" (where he said he burnt his old mail in)... So I pray GOD will reveal the truth about my Dad's very "SUSPICIOUS" "Garage Fire" Death, because My dear father didn't deserve to die like he did. And he was still very sharp-minded and knew a lot of things (like who he was and his name and birthday and he would even recite his U.S. Army I.D. Number to me all the time, and he knew his parents and siblings, and where he lived, and he would drive me around all the time "showing me all the old houses that he used to live in and all his old jobs, and he was always sending me letters, cards and packages) even though he suffered from "Severe TBI" from a bad head injury (that he was in a coma for "2" Months) from an almost fatal "Motorcycle Accident," that he told me he had back in (October of 2009) when he was with my stepbrother (Matthew). But my stepbrother (Matthew) is going around telling people that My Dad had (Dementia) for the past (10 years), which me and other family relatives all highly doubt (because we all said my Dad "Pop" Melvin knew too much information and still functioned and drove himself around (which doesn't show any signs of having "Dementia," for the past "10 Years,")... So I don't believe my Dad had (Dementia), because I've read up on Dementia and TBI, and it said that "TBI" can mimic "Dementia," so my poor father's health decline was all due to that almost terrible fatal "2009" Motorcycle Accident, when he was with my stepbrother (Matthew), which my Dad shouldn't have even been on a "Motorcycle," anyway. But, despite my Dad's "Severe TBI Head Injury," many of his relatives all agree with me, in saying: That my Dad "Pop" Melvin knew too much information and knew who he was and what he was doing, that, until a doctor's report states otherwise, I will not believe that he suffered from "Dementia," but rather from ("Severe TBI"), instead. But either way, I still think my Dad's whole (Garage Fire) and his DEATH was very very "SUSPICIOUS!" Because I was told back in (2013) by Matthew's first late Ex-wife (Johnna Sue Satterfield, 1971-2018) that my two stepsiblings were both fighting over who was going to get my Dad's HOUSE and his MONEY, etc... But then in (December of 2020) another person "who said she knew my two stepsiblings quite well, because they went to school with them and lived on the same street as them, shockenly told me that my two greedy stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) had helped set their Mother (Rose Ann) HOUSE on "FIRE," to get out of the Bank "Foreclosing" on her home, and that they were so "MONEY HUNGRY" and GREEDY" that Rose and her two kids (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) took off with the "Insurance Money," and chased off my younger "Half-Brother" (Jason Scott Eckard, 1972-Living). I tried to make a peacefully friendly family connection with my two younger stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea), but back in (May of 2012), my heartless hateful stepsister (Loralea) had told me on "Facebook," to F*ck Off!!! And back in (June of 2013) when I spent over "2 weeks" with my Dad "Pop" Melvin at his house, and my Dad had asked my stepbrother (Matthew) to come over and meet me. I was shocked when I first met (Matthew) because as soon as he got out of his vehicle, Matthew punched his "FIST" into his other hand, I guess to try and scare me off... But it didn't work!!! Then, while I was making us all dinner at my Dad's house, my stepbrother (Matthew) had told his future second wife (Jennifer Lynn Schwamb, 1971-Living) that when my Dad "Pop" Melvin dies, that (Matthew) was getting my Dad's HOUSE. Nobody even mentioned "WHO" was getting "WHAT" of my dear Father's, and I had told my Dad "Pop" Melvin from "Day 1," that I wasn't after his Money or his House, etc... And, also while visiting with my Dad, he and I had drove over to Matthew's fiancée (Jennifer's House) to deliver her a lounging lawn chair "that my father had found for her at a garage sale," so my Dad and I drove to her house to give it to her, but as soon as we got out of my Dad's Car, (Jennifer) had told my Dad: "Mel," you have got to stop giving Matthew money to help him pay his bills and car payment, because he needs to grow up and be a responsible adult!" After spending that time with my dear father in (June 2013), and he and I had gotten close quite quickly (that when it came time for me to get back onto the "Greyhound Bus" back to Florida, my Dad and I just "CRIED and CRIED," and my dear father had bought me my very first "Cellphone," bless his dear heart, and as my bus was pulling away, my Dad had called me up, crying, and said to me: "I miss you already, Rebecca!" When am I going to see you again? That, after I met my Dad "Pop" Melvin, even my stepbrother Matthew's first late Ex-wife (Johnna) had told me: "Boy," Becky, every since your Dad Melvin met you, you're all he ever talks about! Then (Johnna) warned me that my two younger stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) didn't like "ME" coming into my Dad's LIFE and would do everything they possibly could to keep "ME" from getting closier to my DAD "Pop" Melvin (because Johnna told me that Matthew, and his sister were both after my Dad's house and his money, and that they will NOT share anything with me or my two younger brothers, that they were even trying to get their younger "Half-Brother" (Jason) committed, so they can get his share of any inheritance... But, after me waiting "47" long years to meet and know my dear father "Pop" Melvin, I was NOT going to let my two younger jealous spiteful stepsiblings (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) stop my Dad and I from getting closer as "Father & Daughter." But, then, by (March o 2014) my stepbrother (Matthew) had wrote me a nasty message on facebook, telling me NOT to come back to "Ohio," and that OHIO had nothing for me, and that his father wasn't going to take care of me, for me to stay down in Florida! First of all, "I" never asked or expected my Dad "Pop" Melvin Lee Eckard to take care of "ME," because GOD and my dear Mother already did a great job in raising "ME" up in the Ways of the LORD! And, secondly, my stepbrother (Matthew) was right about one thing... HIS real birth father (Danny Lee Queen, 1944-2015) WASN"T going to take care of ME!!! So after I met my dear father "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) he and I bonded really close, that after my dear Mother (Sandra Fay NEWLIN Brooks-Wilson, 1948-2018) sadly passed away, my Dad "Pop" Melvin was determined to get "ME" back to OHIO (where he said "I" belonged) that he sent me some money to help me rent a "Moving U-Haul Van," to get back to Ohio, by (July of 2018), and at first he wanted me to stay with him at his house, but then I think he was afraid of my two mean-spirited jealous stepsibling (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea) finding out (because he told me that "Loralea," liked to beat people up, so he didn't want me to be around her), and Matthew's first late Ex-wife (Johnna) had also told me that after (Matthew) had told me to not come back to "Ohio," back in (March of 2014), Johnna told me that when she asked my Dad "Pop" Melvin why he stopped calling me and writing to me for awhile. She told me that my DAD "POP" MELVIN had told her: "Because, Matthew said I wasn't allowed!" Johnna told me that my younger jealous stepbrother (Matthew) had gave my Dad "Pop" Melvin an automative, telling him he had to choose. Either (Matthew, and his sister, Loralea, or "ME." And that "IF" my Dad "Pop" Melvin had chosen to keep in touch with "ME," that (Matthew) threatened him (by saying he wouldn't let my Dad see Matthew's kids (Tyler and Kiley) anymore, and MATTHEW knew darn well that (KILEY MARIE) was my Dad's "Pride & Joy!" But, despite Matthew's threats, my dear father "Pop" (Melvin Lee Eckard, 1938-2022) still kept in touch with me throughout the years, and even when I finally did move back home to "Newark, Ohio," my Dad "bless his heart," would have to sneak over to my place (to spend time with "ME") so my DAD wanted ME in his LIFE... May He "REST in PEACE," until I get to see him again someday in (Heaven). You will NOT be forgotten, DAD-E-O "Pop" Melvin!!! I LOVE and MISS Him, so much...
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