Obituary of Melvin A. Bell

Mr. Melvin A. Bell, age 82 of Mayfield, NY, died Sunday, August 21, 2005 at St. Mary's Hospital Amsterdam, NY. He was born July 9, 1923 in Gloversville, the son of the late Melvin and Marion Dence Lawton. He was educated in Gloversville schools and served in the Army during WWII. A member of the second armored division, he was injured during the Battle of the Bulge and subsequently received the Purple Heart. After returning from the Army, he worked as a brakeman for the former FJ&G Railroad until 1954 when he began Bell?s Gulf Service Station in Riceville which he operated until 1964. He had been a school bus driver for the Mayfield School District for ten years and retired in 1988 as a driver for various oil companies including Verle Miller, Bovee, Tryon and Buhrmaster Oil Companies. A devoted family man, Mel always looked forward to attending his grandchildren?s sporting and school events. An avid bowler, he participated in several leagues for many years throughout his career. Mel was a member of the Mayfield United Methodist Church, the Johnstown Moose Club, and was a former member of the Mayfield Serviceman?s Club. Survivors include his wife, Pauline Eschler Bell of Mayfield whom he married on April 13, 1946, a daughter Valerie Giford and her husband Edwin of Mayfield; a son, Ronald L. Bell of Fonda; four grandchildren, Eric Gifford of North Carolina, Sean Bell of Gloversville, and Audrey Bell and Heather Bell of Perth. His brother Leslie Lawton predeceased him. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville. Urn burial will take place at the convenience of the family at Union Rural Cemetery, Mayfield. Memorial contributions may be made to Mayfield Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 722, Mayfield, NY 12117; or to the National Kidney Foundation, 23 Computer Drive, Albany, NY 12205.