Melvin D. Franek, 89, of Ephrata, passed away at Keystone Villa under the care of Hospice on Aug. 6, 2019.
Born Dec. 31, 1929 in Sargent, Nebraska, Mel was preceded in death by his wife, Jane E. Franek, in 2009.
Mel was a Navy veteran that rose to the rank of Chief Construction Mechanic in the Seabees. He served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was later stationed at the Presidential Retreat at Camp David Md., during the administrations of Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Carter. Upon retiring from the Navy, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Hagerstown, Md.
Mel is survived by a stepdaughter: Gayle L. Weagly Cote and husband Peter of Ephrata; and stepson: George C. Weagly of Hagerstown, Md.; four grandchildren: Aaron Cote and wife Kelly of West Windsor, N.J.; Celeste Cote and partner Richard Stevenson of Ephrata; Justin Cote and wife Rachelle of Mars; and Simon Cote and wife Amber of Reinholds; eight great-grandchildren: Austin, Bridget, Mya, Colin, Keely, Blake, Rowan and Riley; and a sister: Betty Peterson of Omaha Nebraska.
He was a member of the Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witnesses in New Holland. Mel loved spending time with family and friends. He particularly enjoyed sharing stories of his many adventures from his Navy days. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.
There will be private family service held in Rest Haven Cemetery in Hagerstown, Md.
Online condolences may be expressed at rsthvn.com. Rest Haven Funeral Home, Hagerstown, Md., handled the arrangements.
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