John A. Melvin; 77; of Belle Vernon (Fairhope); died Friday; April 17; 2009; in UPMC Mercy; Pittsburgh. He was born Jan. 9; 1932; in Charleroi; the son of the late John P. Melvin and the late Hilda May Walker. He was a member of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church in Belle Vernon. Mr. Melvin was a 1950 graduate of Monessen High School and a graduated of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. He was employed by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut and North American Aircraft in Columbus; Ohio. Mr. Melvin worked as a professional mechanic at Nelson’s Garage; Jack Roley Pontiac; Heister Forklift; Lee Norse Mines and Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel; Monessen plant. Mr. Melvin was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and a member of Brightwell-Daughtery Post No. 484 American Legion in Fayette City. He was the husband of Etta (Lincoln) Melvin; owner and Lincoln Florist in Fayette City. He was an avid collector of cars; fire trucks and Abraham Lincoln memorabilia and books. Mr. Melvin was an amazing artist and had a true passion for animals. He lived for making people laugh; he will be dearly missed by those who loved him. In addition to his wife; he is survived by two daughters: Kelly Jo Ellin and husband Michael; and Merilee Melvin; all of Belle Vernon; four grandchildren: Alexia; Scott; Camden and John Ellin; and one sister; Donna Reppert and husband Ernest; of Belle Vernon. Friends will be received in the ELEY-McCRORY FUNERAL HOME INC.; Fayette City (724-326-5621); on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday; April 21; until 10 a.m.; when a blessing service will take place. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. www.eleymccroryfuneralhome.com