Clarence H. Melrose,

Clarence “Mel” Heber Melrose, Jr., 93, of Parkersburg, W.Va. passed away July 24, 2011, at Camden-Clark Medical Center, Memorial Campus, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 14, 1917, in Parkersburg, a son of the late Clarence H. Sr. and Nancy Stuckey Melrose. Clarence had been the oldest person in Wood Co., W.Va. to receive his GED at the age of 74. He had also scored a perfect 100% on the spelling section of the exam, which was something he was very proud of. He was employed for 35 years with the former Globe Printing Company as a pressman and later retired from John's Oil Company. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, reading, and especially time with his family. He will always be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Clarence was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church. Surviving are two daughters, Dianne Bowden (Jeff) of Murfreesboro, TN and Vicki Walton (Paul) of Parkersburg; W.Va., one son, Clarence James “Jim” Melrose (Jane) of Franklin, TN; three sisters, Eleanor Minear, Delores Lee, and Juanita Kirby; seven grandchildren, Theresa, Jennifer, David, Beth, Anne, James, and Kenneth; five great-grandsons; and three great-granddaughters. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-four years, Mina R. Allio Melrose; one brother, James “Pete” Melrose; and one sister, Eva Post. A special thanks to the associates and friends at Market Manor for their love and support during the last ten years. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home to accept contributions for a memorial bench to be placed at Market Manor in Clarence's honor.Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday July 27, 2011, at the Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 400 Green St., Parkersburg, W.Va., with Clarence's daughter, the Rev. Dianne M. Bowden, and Clarence's granddaughter, Chaplain Jennifer Bowden, LCDR USN, officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the funeral home.