John Melvin John Kenneth Melvin, 85, of Drummond Island, was a marine engineer who served his country during World War II. Mr. Melvin died Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie.

He was born January 20, 1923, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Ira and Mabel (nee Jones) Melvin.

Mr. Melvin was graduated from Fairview Park High School in 1941. In 1942 he was accepted to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He was graduated with unlimited licenses in steam and diesel in Marine Engineering. In World War II, he served as an engineer on aviation gasoline tankers in the North Atlantic convoys.

He married Renee Ruelius in Flushing, New York, and the couple moved to Drummond Island in 1946. They were the parents of three sons, Jay Melvin, Dean Alan, and Dale Edward, and one adopted son, Kenneth Ira.

After moving to Drummond Island, Mr. Melvin worked as a purchasing agent for the Dolomite Quarry.

In 1977 he was remarried, to Judith Immel, who had twin daughters, Lynn and Laura.

He was a member of the Drummond Island Lutheran Church, where he served as a substitute organist. He was a life member of the Masonic Lodge 590 in Cedarville, where he was the organist for many years. He was a member of the Drummond Island Sportsman's Club. Mr. Melvin also served as president of the Board of Directors of the DeTour- Drummond Community Credit Union for 30 years.

Mr. Melvin enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and camping. His greatest enjoyment was playing the organ and piano for many local functions over the years.

He is survived by his wife, Judith; two sons and their families, Dean Alan Melvin and Dale Edward and Kelly Melvin; two daughters and their families, Laura Melvin and Lynn and Thomas Dyal, all of Drummond Island; seven grandchildren, J.D. Melvin, Sarah Melvin, Zachary Melvin, Blake Melvin, Adian Gable, Samantha Dyal, and Andrew Dyal; and one great grandson, Wyatt Gable.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Jay Melvin and Kenneth Ira Melvin.

A memorial was held Thursday, December 18, at 11 a.m. at the Drummond Island Lutheran Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Drummond Island Lutheran Church.

Reamer Galer Funeral Home of Pickford assisted the family with arrangements.