Melvin F. Cruthers

Melvin Fredrick Cruthers, 99 of Newbury, and formerly of North Randall, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Burton Healthcare in Burton, Ohio. Melvin was born in Six Mile Run, Pa. November 20, 1923, to Frank and Mildred (Figard) Cruthers. After he graduated high school he later joined the US Marine Corp. He was heavily involved in the initial Pacific campaign, and was part of the 1st Marine division and 5th regiment. He fought at Guadalcanal, New Guinea, and Peleliu. He rose to the rank of Corporal and received the purple heart for injuries sustained during World War II at Peleliu .
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Being a few months shy of 100, Melvin accomplished many things and remained active. He was involved in the Newbury V.F.W., Burton American Legion, talking to schools about his military experience. He worked as a CPA for Continental Products, and Diamond Shamrock and was a senior consultant for Plastic Extrusion Technologies.  He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, making clocks, and wrote a book about his military experience entitled, Enlist. 

Everyone was welcome at Mel's home. There was always a fishing pole, fresh coffee, and chocolate to share.  Mel enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  Family reunions, birthday parties, and cookouts were things he lalways ooked forward to.  He considered it a privilege to participate in any Memorial Day Services and the Burton American Legion Post 459  Honor Guard. He was a regular attendee at the annual Burton American Legion pancake breakfasts and encouraged everyone he knew to go for a good meal.  The family would like to thank Ohio Living Hospice Services for their care of Mel over the years and especially his private aides Laura, Chelsie, and Maria who made it possible for him to stay at home for as long as he did.  We'd also like to thank Burton Health Care for their care in his final days.  Lastly, we'd like to thank all the family and friends who visited Mel over the years.  He thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of you.

Melvin will be greatly missed by his daughter, Carolyn Grassette, stepson, William (Diane) Spencer, grandchildren, Jenifer (Lance) Ames, Robyn Grassette, Chrystal (Brian)Yoder, Bill (Amy) Spencer, Great grandchildren, Taylor Ames, Ella Bennett, Emilyn Bennett, Noah (Jessica)Yoder, Naomi (fiance Chris Bobak)Yoder, Henry Yoder, Alyssa Spencer, Ethan Spencer, Landon Spencer, Addison Spencer, great great grandchildren, Khalani Ames, Finley Yoder, Peyton Yoder, his bothers Robert (Shirley) Melius, Charles Melvis, and beloved sister-in-law, Gloria Cruthers.  He is also survived by nephews, Gary (Linda) Cruthers, Kim (Judy) Cruthers, Shane Cruthers, nieces, Cindy Faciana, Linda Giersz, Rebecca Coriadi, Cheri Kowalski, Tammy Wagner, Michellle Frederick. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife’s  Margaret Cruthers, Bell Spencer-Cruthers, siblings, Frank Cruthers, Buddy Cruthers, Connie Hughes, great granddaughter, Madeline Ames, and his son-in-law, Ron Grassette.  

Memorial Calling Hours will be held at Sly Family Funeral Home 15670 W. High Street, Middlefield on Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 10:00AM-12:00 PM with a Memorial Service and Military Honors with the Burton American Legion at 12:00 PM. He will be laid to rest in Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chesterland following the service. 

Memorial donation can be made in Melvins name to the Burton American Legion Post # 459, The Accessible Legion Fund, PO Box 467, Burton OH 44021, Tel: 1-440-477-2956 Web: http:paypal.me/accessiblelegionfund

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