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Melvin W. Burkholder, 92, formerly of Ephrata, went home to be with his Lord and Savior peacefully, Sunday, January 8, 2017, at Landis Homes Retirement Community.

Born in East Earl Township on January 30, 1924 to the late Michael W. and Emma (Weaver) Burkholder, he was the husband of the late Emma (Hurst) Burkholder for 37 years. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Sara Burkholder, in March 1978.

He was a member of Bethany Grace Fellowship, East earl, where he was a song leader for many years.

He was loved dearly by his family and friends and will be deeply missed.

Melvin was employed by the former Victor F. Weaver, Inc. as maintenance superintendent for 34 years. After retirement, he owned a refrigeration business and worked as a consultant for Farmers Pride. He was on the board of the Tel Hai Camp for many years and was a member of the Gideon's International. At Landis Homes, he was involved in the Garden Railroad Club, where he operated and repaired trains.

Melvin is survived by 4 daughters, Glenda, wife of Randall Witmer of Lititz, Joyce, wife of Jay Weaver of Lancaster, Gail Burkholder of Ephrata, Sharon, wife of Kevin Adams of Lancaster; a step-son, Bob, husband of Debra Hurst of Ephrata; 3 step-daughters, JoAnne, wife of Keith Weaver of Reinholds, Cheryl, wife of Barry Wissler of Ephrata and Sandra, wife of Barry Martin of Ephrata. He was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by 5 brothers, M. Loyd (Anna Mary Martin) Burkholder of Lebanon, Titus W. (Anna Sensenig) Burkholder of Gordonville, John W. (Alverta Rutt) Burkholder of East Earl, Leon W. (Vera Nolt) Burkholder of New Holland, Frank W. (Eva Good) Burkholder of East Earl; a sister, Arlene W. (Melvin) Horst of Cochranville; a step-mother, Anna (Rissler Martin) Burkholder of East Earl; a step-brother, Noah (Marian Oberholtzer) Martin of Narvon and 2 step-sisters, Mary (John) Martin of Narvon, Ruth Wanner of Mohnton.

In addition to his parents and wives, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Bob Witmer; a grandson, Mitchell Witmer; great-grandson, Eli Eisenhour; 2 brothers, Raymond W. (Ada Kurtz) Burkholder, Weaver W. (Mabel Snyder) Burkholder and a sister, Edna (Lloyd) Martin.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017, 11:00 AM at Bethany Grace Fellowship, 400 Reading Rd, East Earl, PA 17519, with Pastors Leon Shirk and Chris Smeltz officiating. The family will receive friends following the services in the fellowship hall. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Melvin's memory may be made to Tel Hai Camp, 31 Lasso Drive, Honeybrook, PA 19344-9261 or The Gideons International, 2295 Laurel Ridge Road, Narvon, PA 17555..

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