Melvin H. Berkebile

Melvin H. “Mel” Berkebile, 77, of Ohio City, and formerly of Van Wert, passed away at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at Van Wert Health.

He was born April 4, 1942, in Swanton, the son of Howard L. Berkebile and Anna L. (Barnes) Berkebile, who both preceded him in death. He married the former Deborah A. Waldron, who passed away February 13, 2008. Together, they shared many years of memories.

Mel worked hard as a school bus driver, at McDonald’s, and for the former Brookside Dairy and Hoverman Music Store, respectively. He later retired from Walmart in Van Wert after 15 years of service.

Mel was a member of First United Methodist Church in Van Wert and also served as an ordained minister at several northwest Ohio churches for over 12 years.

Mel enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid gardener and fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, and the Cleveland Indians.

Mel has also been a season ticket holder for Van Wert Cougar basketball and football since 1983.

Survivors include a son, Nathan (Lucy) Berkebile of Ohio City; three grandchildren, Skyler, Tristan, and Stephanie Berkebile; a sister, Nancy Wells of Mason, Michigan; one brother, Lonnie (Carol) Berkebile of Charleston, South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a sister and her husband, Bev (Cecil) Reed.

Because of national health concerns, Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory and the Berkebile family are following directives outlined by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine limiting attendance to the visitation and funeral service to immediate family only. Please reach out to us and we will share your sympathies with Mel’s family. Mel’s service will be recorded and posted online at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Preferred memorials: To the family.

Condolences may be expressed at the above website.