Melville Wylie Martin was born to Donald Bruce Martin and Clare Isabel Wylie Martin on Sept. 5, 1917. He joined his older sisters, Isabel and Gertrude (Betty), and brother, Donald. The family grew to include William and Mary Margaret (Peg). Mel studied under his pastor-father and learned numerous values that would serve him throughout his life. He attended grade school in Morning Sun, Iowa, and Patterson Township, Beaver Falls, Pa. He attended high school both in Beaver Falls and New Brighton, Pa. Geneva College is where he began higher education (1937–1939), completing his degree at Sterling College in 1941. While in Kansas, he met Marian Reed and they married in 1942.

Sensing a call to gospel ministry after completion of undergraduate study at Sterling College, the couple traveled to Pittsburgh, Pa., for Mel to study at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. After graduation in 1943, he received a call and was ordained as the pastor of Rose Point (New Castle, Pa.) RPC, where his daughters, Carole Elizabeth and Janice Eileen, were born. In 1952 they moved to Seattle, Wash., where he served in the pastorate 10 years. Then the Allegheny RPC called him in 1962 to shepherd on the North Side of Pittsburgh. From 1969–1978 he served as administrator for the Reformed Presbyterian Home, also on the North Side of Pittsburgh. Returning to the Allegheny pulpit in 1979, he pastored there four more years. After formally retiring from his 40 years of ministry, he returned to the RP Home staff in 1983 as a social worker in the new, skilled nursing unit. His pastor’s heart, love for people, and skill for handling the difficulties that are part of the aging process made him the perfect candidate for this new position.

Mel defined “jack of all trades.” He taught high school, in Princeton, Pa., during WWII. He coached high school basketball and also conducted boys’ clubs both in Rose Point and Seattle. He taught himself to fix almost anything. His skills were in high demand wherever the Lord placed him. Service to the kingdom was Mel Martin’s trademark.

Mel was honored to officiate in the weddings of his daughter, Janice, to Roger Robb in 1969, his granddaughter, Michelle, to Philip LaMay in 1994, and his daughter, Carole, to Samuel Bunner in 2002. He enjoyed his 4 great-grandsons and their playful romping at his feet. He even let some of the unlicensed ones “drive” him around the Home in his golden years! As they grew up, he was quick to share stories with them about his boyhood adventures and the value of being a servant leader.

Melville Martin died on Feb. 16, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Bruce Martin and Clare (Wylie) Martin; sisters, Isabel (Leonard Read) and Betty (Lester Kilpatrick); and brother, Don Martin; wife of 72 years, Marian (Reed) Martin; and daughter, Janice (Martin) Robb.

He was survived by his brother, William Martin (d. Mar. 8, 2016); sister, Peg (Frank Murrell); daughter, Carole (Sam Bunner); grandchildren, Michelle (Philip LaMay) and John Robb. Four great-grandsons, Andrew, Joshua, Titus, and Matthew LaMay, are also part of his legacy.

“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matt. 25:23).