George Melvin Wilt, 92, of Ranson, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, February 5, 2016, while at the VA Medical Center, Martinsburg. Born June 22, 1923, in Jefferson County, he was the son of the late George William Wilt and Ruth Hannah Hostler Wilt.
He was of the Methodist faith. He served in the US Army during World War II and fought in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He was a recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 2 bronze service stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 bronze service stars, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal, and the Bronze Arrowhead. He retired from the Whitmore Lumber Co. after 42 years of service as a yard foreman.
Melvin loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them at the river. He was an amazing gardener and enjoyed bowling. He was a wonderful outdoorsman and liked hunting and fishing. He was a certified cabinet maker and was a great carpenter. He built his own home and helped build additions onto his daughter’s home. He was extremely talented at playing the fiddle, and could often be seen sitting on his front porch playing it.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Reba Elaine Wilt, at home; son, Charles “Nelson” Wilt, and wife Paula, of Charles Town; daughter, Helen Hamill, and husband Dave, of Ranson; 2 sisters, Josephine Wilt and Ethel Wean, both of Ranson; 6 grandchildren: Troy Wilt, and wife Tracie, CPO Michelle Ashton, USN, Keena Wilt, Maj. Kyle Wilt, USMC, and wife Jill, Rev. Dr. Melissa Rudolph, and husband Rev. John, and James Hamill, and wife Rachel; 15 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Norman Nelson Wilt, and 2 sisters: Alma Ruth Hilliard and Mary Anna Fleming.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, February 8, 2016 at the Jefferson Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Melissa Rudolph and Rev. John Rudolph officiating. Graveside service with military honors will be at the Edge Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM, Sunday, February 7, 2016 at the Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Melvin’s memory be made to Wee Disciples Christian Academy, 114 Poor Farm Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430.