Melvin Bowers

Melvin Miller Bowers, 84, of Franklin, WV, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV.

He was born July 5, 1936 in Possum Trot, Va., a son of the late Russell Edward and Mary Emma (Ervine) Bowers.

A man of great faith, Melvin loved to witness and share his love for the Lord with others. He enjoyed working in his garden, being outdoors and keeping up his lawn. Above all, he will be remembered as a selfless man who never met a stranger, but more importantly the love he shared with his daughters, siblings and especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sisters, Doris Vandevander and Mona Helmick; and brother, Russell Judy Bowers.

He is survived by two daughters Ann McLaughlin and husband, Robert and Robin Decker, all of Franklin; sister, Thelma Arbogast of Richmond, Va.; grandchildren, Joshua Decker and wife Brittany and April Sheffield and husband, Cole, all of Savannah, Ga.; great-grandchildren, Colson Sheffield and Chloe Alayna Decker; as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2020 in the Rexrode-Bowers Family Cemetery on Possum Trot Lane, with pastor Wendell Everett officiating.

Active pallbearers will be Joshua Decker, Cole Sheffield, Robert McLaughlin, Roger Arbogast, Bill Nelson, and James Lisbon.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Rexrode-Bowers Cemetery Fund, c/o Thelma Arbogast, 1 N. New Avenue, Highland Springs, Va. 23075.

Friends may call between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Friday, July 17 at Obaugh Funeral Home.