Melvin E. Duffett

Melvin E. Duffett, age 80, of Bellevue passed away on October 6, 2023 at Elmwood Skilled Nursing in Fremont where he received excellent, loving care by the entire staff. Melvin was born on November 11, 1942, the son of the late Clemith and Myrtle (Gowitzka) Duffett.

A devout Christian, Melvin was baptized as an infant at Grace Lutheran Church, Castalia. Until 1980, Melvin attended Open Door Tabernacle in Fremont with his parents. Following their deaths, he moved to Bellevue and resided with his sister and her family until a new group home was established on Euclid Ave in Bellevue. Melvin was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bellevue, where he attended faithfully until his mobility limited his attendance in his later years.

While living in Castalia, Melvin attended Margaretta Elementary School and Mrs. Harmon’s D.D. class at Osborne School in Sandusky.

At age twelve, he moved to Fremont, OH and attended the School of Hope.

He worked at the Sandco Industries until his retirement.

Melvin resided at Elmwood Village in Green Springs, OH since Oct. 3, 1989. He had wonderful care and loved his Elmwood Village family of caregivers and housemates, Frank, Edna, Staci, Jenny, Leslie, Jamie Dena, Miranda, Rhonda D, and Benny.

Melvin’s mother read the Holy scripture and stories to him each morning while waiting to attend school or work. This developed a deep faith in God. He loved sharing his faith with others through offering prayers for their needs, especially healing.

He was a breast and lung cancer survivor.

Throughout his lifetime Melvin has made many friends, especially at Worship Alive. Acceptance and Friendships added much joy to his already kind spirit and outgoing ways. He viewed or listened daily to his favorite religious CD’s and services. Melvin loved people, was thoughtful of others and loved a good laugh, joke, or story.

Melvin’s travels included youth summer Church camps at Hillsdale, Michigan and trips to Washington, D.C. with his sister. Dollywood in Tennessee, Cuyahoga Metroparks, multiple visits to Amish Country in Ohio, Cedar Point, Tucson, Arizona, Florida, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

He attended Mudhen’s games, Captain’s games, and many boat rides on Lake Erie.

He loved celebrating his birthday at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant and the Easter and Christmas holidays with his various family members at their homes.  

Melvin is survived by his siblings, Clemith (Sheila) Duffett of Castalia, OH, and Clarice (Alvin) Mason of Bellevue, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Melvin is preceded in death by his fiancé, Judith Widman; and siblings, John Duffett of Fremont, OH, Iverna Fallecker of Norwalk, and Shirley Shorts-Thanasiu of Fremont.

Friends will be received on Monday, October 9, 2023, from 9:00am until a funeral service beginning at 10:30am at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 209 Southwest St. Bellevue, OH 44811. Private burial will be held at Castalia Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Melvin’s honor to the donor’s favorite charity.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at foosfuneral.com