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Melvin Lewis Heckel, 86, a resident of Elkins, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 5, 2024, after a long decline in his health.
Melvin was born on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 1937, to the late William Heckel and Minnie Oaster Heckel in Parsons. Melvin attended and graduated from Elkins High School, after which he honorably served his country as a military police officer in the United States Army.
He had a life-long career as a contractor, carpenter, and businessman, and was a member of the H.W. Daniels Post 29, American Legion.
Melvin enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter Allison. Another of his favorite past times was his local little league and baseball programs, to which he donated a lot of his time and resources.
Preceding Melvin in death were two brothers, William "PeeWee" Heckel and Andrew "Andy" Heckel; three sisters, Mary Lee Heckel, Geraldine Heckel and Patricia "Patty" Heckel Portaro; and one brother-in-law, Donald Gilbert.
Left to cherish Melvin's memory is his loving wife of 56 years, Betty Ferguson Heckel; his daughter, Jennifer Heckel Lindsey and husband, Steven; one son, William "Bill" Heckel; one granddaughter, Allison Lindsey; one sister, Frances Jody Heckel Gilbert; special friends of 50-plus years, Roger and Alice Vandevender; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.
Melvin was a pillar of the community and his contributions and donations impacted many lives and he will be greatly missed.
Melvin's request for cremation was honored. The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date.
The family asks that friends leave contributions in Melvin's memory to ELKINS LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL, P.O. Box 1784, Elkins, West Virginia 26241 or to WV Caring, 169 Diamond Street, Elkins, WV 26241.
The Randolph Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Melvin Lewis Heckel.
Send online condolences to the family at www.therandolphfuneralhome.com.