Melvin C. Newlen

STAUNTON:

Melvin Cecil Newlen, 81, husband of Donna Liddeke Newlen of 204 Surrey Road, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Augusta Health in Fishersville.
Mr. Newlen was born on August 1, 1931 in Staunton, a son of the late Thomas Elmer and Anna Belle (Crawford) Newlen.
Melvin was an active member of St. Pauls United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Sunshine Group. He was an U.S. Army Veteran and was retired from the American Safety Razor with 31 years of service as a Machine Operator. Melvin was a member of the Augusta Christian Singles, a member of Staunton Lions Club, where he was awarded the outstanding Lion of the Year Award and received the Melvin Jones Award. He was known as McGruff with the Staunton Police Department, and he played Santa Claus for numerous organizations. Melvin was known as quite an entertainer and an avid supporter and fan of the Staunton Braves Baseball.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Newlen was preceded in death by a brother, Carlton Dewitt Newlen and a sister, Lois N. Roberts.
Surviving in addition to his wife whom he married in September of 1995, are two step daughters; Denise Shay and husband Mike of Zephyrhills, Fla and Susan Carroll of Staunton; a brother; James Elmer Newlen of Staunton; two sisters; Thelma N. Sheets and Gladys N. Showalter both of Staunton; six step grandchildren; Jesse Carroll, Ashley Carroll, B.J. VanBuren, Hunter VanBuren,Wayne Crissman and Kate Lallas; three step great granddaughters; Destiny Stickley, Heather Carroll and Autumn Webster; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends also survive.
A Celebration of life will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2013 in the Coffman Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Robert H. Woodfin, II. and Rev. Wade Munford.
Burial will follow in Oaklawn Memory Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory and other times at the residence.
Active pallbearers will be Jesse Carroll, B.J. VanBuren, Hunter VanBuren, Scott Newlen, Bruce Newlen and Lee Douglass.
It is suggested those desiring make memorial contributions to the We Care Ministries, C/O St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2000 Shutterlee Mill Road, Staunton, Virginia 24401.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive is in charge of his arrangements.