Colon "Frank" Melvin

Colon “Frank” Franklin Melvin, 91, of Clarkton passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.

Frank was born to Colon and Tiny Melvin on November 10, 1930 in Clarkton NC.  He is preceded in death by his brother, Carson Melvin. He attended Clarkton School and enrolled in the US Army in June 1948.  He was attached to the 817th Engineering Aviation Battalion, a special division of the Army assigned to the Air Force.  Frank was stationed at March Air Force Base in California, moving to USAF Fairford and USAF Chelveston, England in 1950.  Frank met and married Gladys Clayton in 1952.  Frank and Gladys lived in Cheltenham, England before moving back to Clarkton NC, where Frank lived the rest of his life. After an Honorable discharge from the Army at the rank of Sergeant, Frank started a career with the US Postal Service, serving as Clarkton Postmaster from 1973 until 1989.

Frank and Gladys had 4 children: Darrel Melvin (fianceé Becky Tidwell), Deborah Melvin (Gary Saber), Pamela Bahm (Jim), Patricia Robinson (Jerry). Frank loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Colon Melvin (Cássia), Brandi Venema (Peter), Megan Powell (Grayson), Lauren Horne (Kevin), Quinton Bahm and Daulton Bahm.  Great grandchildren are Marlee and Macelyn Robinson, Gunner Powell and Grace Horne. Frank also leaves behind two sisters: Janice Edwards (Alton) of Riegelwood, Jo Blackburn of Clarkton and sister-in-law, Sarah Melvin.

Frank was a member of many organizations and devoted his life to the service of his community.
Recognition:
• North Carolina Outstanding Volunteer Service Governor’s Award—2003
• WRAL-TV Public Service Award—1968
Volunteering/Organizations:
• Founding Member, American Air Museum, Duxford, England
• Clarkton Fire Department:
o Member, Assistant Chief and Chief
• Clarkton Rescue Squad
o Founding Member, Communications Officer and Chief
• EMT Instructor/Examiner
• North Carolina Association of Rescue Squads, Member
• Clarkton Lions Club—member, past President
• Licensed Amateur Radio Operator
o Member, US Army Military Affilate Radio System
o Member, American Radio Relay League
o Officer, Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services, Civil Defense
o Member, Bladen County Civil Defense
• Boy Scouts of America Troop 605 Treasurer

The family will receive friends from 2-2:45pm on Sunday, July 3rd at Clarkton Presbyterian Church with a funeral service following at 3pm. Rev. Charles Hester and Rev. Barrett Ingram will be officiating service. Burial will follow services in the Clarkton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clarkton Lions Club or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.