Melvin Oswald Mel" Stanton

WILLIAMSPORT - Melvin O. "MEL" Stanton, 72, a resident of Rose View Center for three years died, Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at Williamsport Hospital Emergency Room. He was born July 30, 1937 in Barnesville, OH, the son of the late Reverend Joseph B. Stanton and Cora Mae Linear Stanton Walton. He was married on August 22, 1981 to the former Inez Ruth Porter, who survives. Melvin graduated from Williamsport Technical Institution/Class of 1962 with a diploma in Architecture. Melvin co-owned and operated the former Overhead Door Company of Williamsport for 33 years until his retirement in 1994. He was a founder and charter member of Maple Street AME Zion Church; chairman of the Trustee Board, director of the Senior Choir, Sunday School Teacher and president of the Lay Council. Melvin was a current member of New Hope United Methodist Church. Long active in community affairs, Melvin was a past vice-president of NAACP; past president of Bethune Douglas Community Center; past board member STEP, Inc. He was appointed by the former Governor Dick Thornburgh as a board member of the Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Association, member of the action for Handicapped; 1981 Pennsylvania Handicapped person of the year and ranked 2nd in the Nation. In 1985 he won the Primary Election for Williamsport City Council. He was currently a member of the Community Action Committee, PA Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation; member of Advisory Committee of Williamsport Bureau of Transportation for ADA Action; President of Foundation for Bethune Douglas Center; Secretary of the Williamsport Cultural & Enrichment Committee: Assistant Secretary of The Center Board of Directors and a volunteer in the Chaplainry Dept. of the Williamsport Hospital and Medical Center. Melvin joined the Edgar A. Still Lodge #207 IBPOE of Williamsport in 1971 and served as chaplain, chairman of the Building Fund Committee, secretary to 1972 Mid-Year Conference, trustee, chairman of Sports Committee and served on numerous committees throughout the years. Mr. Stanton was a member of the Education Department and PE Council #6. He has been financial secretary of the lodge for 24 years. He received his Past State President Honors in Erie, PA in 1986; in November 1987, he was elected as second scribe for Past Exalted Rulers Council #6, Central Pennsylvania; in 1987 he received his Past Exalted Ruler Honors in Baltimore, MD, was a member of the Elks quartet and is a member of the PA State Choir. Melvin was honored in Pittsburgh, PA as "Elk of the Year" in March 1995. He also enjoyed music and sports. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son; Joseph Bruno Allen of Harrisburg, one daughter; Susan L. Allen of Williamsport, three step-daughters; Tammie J. Hart-Smith (John) of Ridgeley, WV, Lisa I. Hart of Costa Rica and Andrea M. Williams (Richard) of Williamsport, seven grandchildren, Felicia, Tooter, Jamal, Dominque and Doniece, all of Williamsport, Chioke of Tempe, AZ and Sherri of Dillsburg, four great-grandchildren; Anslee, Ambrose, Malajia and Shaniah, one brother; George Stanton and one sister; Barbara Ann Carter, both of Uhlrichville, OH. Also surviving are; Vontella King and Linda Johnson of Williamsport and Thressa Sellers of Harrisburg, whom he raised. In addition to his parents, was preceded in death by three brothers, Clyde, Gershon and Joseph, Sr. The funeral service will be held at 12 (noon), Monday, August 10, 2009 at the Allen & Redmond Funeral Home, 331 Elmira Street, with Pastor Rick Waters and Rev. Charles Johnson officiating. There will be a public viewing from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. The Edgar A. Still Lodge # 207 will conduct a service at 11:30 A.M. Interment will follow at Twin Hills Memorial Park, Muncy. Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church in his name.