Robert G. Mellinger, 85, of Ephrata, passed away, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at Hospice and Community Care, Mount Joy.

He was born in Ephrata to the late Roland and Kathryn (Weitzel) Mellinger and was the husband of the late Mary R. (Rice) Mellinger with whom he had shared 61 years of marriage before her passing in 2013.

Bob was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. He was the owner/operator of Bob's American Used Cars for 54 years, which he started at Shaum's Corner before moving to Ephrata in 1973. He was a buyer at the Garden Spot Auto Auction since its beginning. Earlier in his career he drove a milk truck and had helped build the PA Turnpike. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob was known to the nurses as "the flashlight man." The family would like to thank all of his "buddies" who visited while he was sick.

Bob is survived by his five children, Kathy A., wife of Doug Weaver of Ephrata, Mary K., wife of Glen Weaver of Lititz, Robert G., Jr. husband of Michelle Mellinger of Ephrata, Jean L., wife of Kurt Martin of Akron, Betty M., wife of Chris Witthuhn of Drums, 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and 2 step great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Amanda M. Brynarsky; a brother, Roland Mellinger and a foster sister Winifred.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, June 19, 2016, from 4 to 7 pm, at the Grace Point Church of the Nazarene, 110 Durlach Road, Ephrata. An additional viewing will be held on Monday, June 20, 2016, from 9 to 10 am, at the church, followed by a funeral service at 10 am. Interment will take place in the Memory Gardens Memorial Cemetery.

The family would also like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice and Community Care, Mount Joy.

Memorial contributions in Bob's memory may be made to Hospice and Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.