Clarence Mellinger

Clarence Leroy "Whib" Mellinger, Sr., 84, of Swanton succumbed to complications of a massive stroke on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. Born on May 17, 1931 in Accident, he was the son of the late John F., Sr. and Vauda (Glotfelty) Mellinger. He enlisted in the United States Navy in May of 1950 as a molder on US repair ships. He had deployments on ships such as the USS Cadmus, USS Tidewater, USS Vulcan and the USS Piedmont. Clarence retired with an honorable discharge from the United States Navy as Chief Petty Officer, First Class E7 in 1971. After his retirement, he worked at Bill's Marina in McHenry. He will be remembered as having an entrepreneurial spirit. Whib held active memberships in the Deer Park VFW and the Deer Park Sportsmen's Club. He was a dedicated member of the National Rifle Association of America. He tremendously enjoyed his contribution to these organizations. He enjoyed many favorite pastimes in his retirement such as playing poker, pitching horseshoes, hunting, fishing and playing the lottery. Whib received the greatest enjoyment from being surrounded by his wife, family and friends, especially during holidays and family reunions. He is survived by his wife and true love of over 63 years, Carolina (Brown) Mellinger, to whom he was married on June 27, 1951; two sons, Clarence L. Mellinger, Jr. and wife Diana of Bealeton, VA and Randy R. Mellinger and wife Rebecca of Oakland; two daughters, Deborah A. Sweitzer and husband Steven R. of Swanton and Cheryl L. Mellinger of Swanton; grandchildren, John Lee and wife Leslie, Heather Sweitzer Carr and husband Carnie, Steven E. Sweitzer and wife Rhonda, Shannon Lee and wife Denise, Anthony Hardesty, Sheena Burnell and husband Paul and Nicholas Mellinger; great grandchildren, Bryson Lee, Laken Wolfe, Michael Sweitzer, Steven W. Sweitzer, Kamryn Miller, Morgan Lee, Kolton Lee, Payton Carr, Brian Longacre, Jaden Lee, Tanner Lee, Jordyn Lee and Brooklyn Hardesty; a great great grandchild, Taria E. Miller; brothers, John F. Mellinger, Jr. of Levels, WV and William Dale "Bill" Mellinger of Sparrow Point; sisters, Lois Mellinger Williams of Baltimore and Amelia Mellinger Wolf of Oakland; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Calvin Mellinger, James Mellinger and Harold Pete Mellinger; and a sister Mildred Crane. Friends will be received at the C & S Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A., 21 N 2nd St., Oakland on Saturday, March 12th from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Sunday, March 13th at 2 PM with Pastors Ivan and Cindy Ackerman officiating. Interment, with military honors, will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Swanton.

Service Information