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Melvin Phillip Templon

Nov. 16, 1922 – Oct. 24, 2020

Melvin Phillip Templon, 97, passed peacefully and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by his family in the home he and his wife built 70 years ago.

Mel was born in Altoona, son of the late Walter M. and Margaret E. (Funk) Templon. He married Mary L. (Lou) Bair at the Salem United Church of Christ of Altoona on Sept. 6, 1947, and she preceded him in death on Jan. 31, 2013.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Foster H. Templon; and son-in-law, Scott Thomas.

Surviving are four children: Roger and wife, Marilyn; Paula and Joel, all of Altoona, and Janice Thomas, of Hainesport, N.J.; a granddaughter, Michelle Brandt and

husband, Christian, of Orlando, Fla. and their two daughters, Makayla and Jade Brandt, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mel was a 1941 graduate of Altoona High School. Upon graduation he enlisted, packed his roller skates in his duffle bag and headed off to war. He proudly served his country as a Corporal in the Army 722nd Air Material Squadron in the European Theater between 1943 and 1946, returning home with his Sharpshooter Rate.

He retired from Auto Electric Service Co. in 1984 after 39 years of service, and continued to use his experience working at home in his own shop “Off the Car.”

He was a man of great faith and a rock of strength to all those who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Mel was very appreciative of the care his family and extended family gave him in his later years: Janette O’Brien, Jim Caltagirone, the VA Home Based Primary Care Team and UPMC Home Nursing and Hospice care givers. Without their support he could not have remained in his home.

He was a member of Juniata United Methodist Church, whose home-based staff provided him the support to continue receiving communion and prayer during his homebound years which was a true blessing to him.

Friends will be received from 10 until the 11 a.m. memorial service with full military honors Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, at the Juanita United Methodist Church with the Rev. Julia Piper officiating. Mel will be laid to rest beside his wife at the Alto Reste Cemetery. Arrangements will be made by the Good Funeral Home. Burial will be at the

convenience of the family.

The family requests that any donations be made in Mel’s remembrance to UPMC Family Hospice, 201 Chestnut Ave., Altoona, 16601 or to the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, 16602.