Joseph Witt Melkus, Jr., 88 of Davis, WV passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was born on December 2, 1927 in Sun, WV a son of the late Mary and Joseph Melkus. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Lea Melkus on August 29, 2005 and one daughter, Patty Knotts.
He is survived by 3 sons, Joseph Thomas (Linda) Melkus, Baltimore, MD, Karl V. (Katrina) Melkus, Hamlin, WV, and Edward Melkus, Hedgesville, WV, 3 daughters, Nancy (Elvin) Criniti, Laneville, WV, Mary Crowl, Davis, WV, Cathy (Paul) Martin, Davis, WV, 3 brothers, Ted (Betty) Melkus, Konrad (Joann) Melkus, Jimmy (Becky) Melkus, grandchildren, Kim (Charles) Whipkey, Bubby Criniti, Bernie (Cheryl) Criniti, David Melkus, Brian (Jami) Melkus, Patrick (Sherri) Knotts, Lori Knotts, Kristy (Curtis) Simmons, Missy (Pete) Scott, Holly (Howard) Crowl, Michele (Tommy) Crowl, Freddy (Holly) Crowl, Karla (Chris) Sowards, J.L. (Corinne) Melkus, Laura (Ricky) Oates, Brittany (Greg) Sheets, Megan Melkus, Jaime Martin, Nick Martin, and numerous great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to say a special thank you to the hospice nurses, Kelly Pennington and Rosetta Zirk for their help, support, and care for him throughout his illness. Also a very special thank you to Dr. Ed Rader and Donna Colobert from the National Library Service for the Blind for her help in supplying all the audio books that he enjoyed so much, a very special thank you to Pam Leary Knotts for her kindness, loving care, and friendship throughout the years.
Friends will be received Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 4-8 PM at Hinkle Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Hinkle Funeral Chapel with Lay Speaker Joyce Arnold officiating. Interment will follow in the Davis Cemetery. Hinkle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.hinklefuneralhome.com