Melvin E. “Mell” Thompson, 87, died at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009 at West Woods of Niles following an extended illness.

He was born Jan. 4, 1922 to Spencer Howard Thompson and LaDena Belle MacEwing Thompson in Beckley, W.Va. He graduated from high school in Beckley and moved to Niles in 1956.

He married Sylvia Imogene “Jean” (Sands) Thompson on July 5, 1948 in Ashland, Ky. He was pa veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the D.A.V.

He was previously employed at Dallas & Mavis Trucking in Benton Harbor. Melvin was a member of Church of Christ of Niles, where he served as a song leader. He was a licensed pilot with glider and commercial pilot certifications. He owned a plane based at the Jerry Tyler Airport in Niles.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Sylvia; daughter, Sharon (Keith) Wise, of Colorado Springs, Colo., son, Melvin (Nerrisa) Edward “Ed” Thompson, of Niles, daughter-in-law, Clara Thompson, Nashville, Tenn.; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Howard Thompson, who died Sept. 22, 2008; brothers, Lowell “Tommy” Thompson, Elgie Thompson, Orville Thompson; sisters, Lorene Walker and Littie Ann Kroll.

The family will be gathering privately. There will be no visitation. Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.