George Edward Melvin

GEORGE EDWARD MELVIN 09/09/33 - 06/22/26

George Melvin was born in the depth of the depression near Coalgrove, Ohio; first son to Homer Simpson Melvin and Vivian Margaret Wilson Melvin. He spent his early years in a log cabin on the family farm with his large extended family nearby. It was here he came to love farming, rural life and the Cincinnati Reds; a love that endured to his last day. He was the older of two brothers; the younger, William Lee Melvin preceded him in death in 1993.

After graduation from The Ohio State in 1955 with a degree in Agriculture, he joined the Navy to fulfill his military obligation and see the world. He served on ships throughout the Western Pacific, calling at ports along the American West Coast, Mexico, the Philippines, Formosa and many other exotic locales. He survived several dramatic exploits, including tying himself to the deck during hurricane force winds to avoid being swept overboard. He also honed his poker skills and made true and loyal friends.

Upon completion of his service, he joined the Holmes County Extension as Local Agent where he met and married the Home Economics Agent Barbara Cruikshank on November 16, 1958. They soon moved to and eventually took management and ownership of the Cruikshank family farm on the Olentangy River in Liberty Township, Delaware County Ohio. He ran a dairy operation for over 25 years and thereafter raised corn and soybeans until the recent sale of the cropland to the Delaware Preservation Parks. They raised their three children, William, Margaret, and Jon on the farm, pursuing interests in opera and classical music, world cuisines and coffee roasting in their leisure hours. Barbara preceded George in death in 2012 after a prolonged illness.

George was an enthusiastic square dancer and in 2018 met his new dancing and life partner, Patricia Gamza Melvin. They traveled extensively and eventually became snowbirds; spending most of the year at their home in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains.

George so loved and was so proud of his large family: Children William Edward Melvin and his wife Joi residing at the farm; Margaret Melvin Hutchison and her husband David Hutchison residing in Plano, Texas; and Jonathon Samuel Melvin and his wife, Kathy Jo, residing in Ostrander, Ohio. Grandchildren: Justin Melvin, Lindsay Melvin Crispin, Shannon Hutchison, Ryan Hutchison, Luke Melvin and Kaleb Melvin; and Great-grandchildren: Lane, Holt and Noah Crispin; Layla, Elliot, Norah, Henry, Isla, Karter and George Melvin. He also developed deep bonds with Patricia's sons, Don Geyer and Roger and Matthew Hanafin; and granddaughters Kendra, Judy, Ireland and Ivy.

George brought joy everywhere he went. He was the epitome of a decent, strong and honorable man. Fair and loving to all and much beloved by his family, friends and everyone he met.