Lieutenant Colonel Milsom Mel N. Jenion; USA (Ret.); 57; of Nolanville; Texas; passed away Sunday; June 29; 2003; in his home after a lengthy and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A former Monessen and Charleroi area resident; he was born June 4; 1946; in Pittsburgh to Milsom H. and Mary E. Oelschlager Jenion. Mel was a 1964 graduate of Monessen High School and a 1968 graduate of West Virginia University. He was formerly employed by Aaron Industries of Belle Vernon and Gerald Vitale Incorporated of Monessen. He joined the military in 1969 and retired after a distinguished career of 28 years. His service included overseas tours in the Federal Republic of Germany; Korea and Thailand; as well as stateside tours in Uniontown; the Huntington; W.Va.; and Pittsburgh districts; and Ft. Hood; Texas; where he retired. For the last five years; he worked as a civil service employee in the G3 Plans and Exercise Headquarters and Headquarter Company; III Corps; Ft Hood; Texas. Lt. Col. Jenion was a member of the VFW Post 3892; Harker Heights; Texas; and a life member of American Legion Post 22 of Charleroi and American Legion Post 0223 in Killeen; Texas. He was also a member of the Reserves Officers Association; Texas Early Day Tractor and Engine Association of Temple; Texas; and a life member of the Texas State Rifle Association. Since the age of 16; he was an avid ham radio operator; station call K3 SNI. Along with his love for his ham radio; he enjoyed working with his hands. He recently refurbished his 1951 Super C International Harvester tractor; a 1930’s windmill and erected a 70-foot radio tower. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed caring for his farm animals. In spite of the pain he endured in recent months; Mel displayed an extraordinarily strong and fighting spirit. He has been an inspiration to his many friends all over the world and to his family. Mel is survived by his loving wife of 30 years; Mary Perun Jenion; two daughters; Melanie E. Jenion and Natalie C. Jenion; both of Nolanville; one sister and brother-in-law; Barbara and John Raymond of New Eagle; two nephews; John Anders and wife Kim and family of Coal Center; and Bill Anders and wife Leslie of North Versailles; two nieces; Ellen Palmer and husband Ronnie and family; and Beth Homer and husband Max and family; all of New Eagle; and many other relatives from the Oelschlager; Symons and Jenion families. Friends will be received Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC.; a Golden Rule Member Firm; (724-929-5300); 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon. Family and friends will gather for funeral services in Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church; Lynnwood on Thursday; July 3; at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Members of the Charleroi American Legion will meet Wednesday in the funeral home to hold services at 7:30 p.m. followed by Parastas services at 8 p.m.