Melvin R. Lord

A genuinely kind man, Melvin graduated from Panama High School in 1952 and went to work on his brother, Bob Lord’s, farm in Sugar Grove. His fortuitous labor transpired into attending a dance in Wrightsville where he admittedly, “asked the right girl to dance.” The rest was history for he and his wife, Ellen, as that evening of square dancing morphed into 72 years together.

Following his farm work, Melvin continued on to work at Green Brothers Lumber, Blasdell Brothers, and Marlin Rockwell. He made his dutiful life work as a union finish carpenter, being an expert at his craft with G.L. Olson for 30 years.

When it wasn’t his occupational toil, Melvin remained physically invested, building his family home from the basement up, which they still reside in today. What is more, Melvin loved caring for his land, keeping his yard mowed with precision and spending endless hours gardening with Ellen.

A lifelong Blockville resident, Melvin was a member of Blockville United Methodist church for 67 years, where he and his wife remained leaders in many fashions, including teaching Sunday school, being a trustee and chairman, and assisting with church building projects over the years. Other memberships included the Harmony Senior Citizens and volunteering as a retired senior at the local food bank.

Melvin’s kindness, strength, and stubbornness will be remembered by his family. His utmost pride resided with his loved ones, especially the cherished time he spent with his great-grandchildren (especially Jasmine) after he retired. Melvin’s zest for life only slowed in the last eight months when cancer was diagnosed. He was thankful for the daily care that he received from his “Steves” during the last few months of his life.

Melvin’s never-ending faithfulness and companionship will be missed by his wife, Ellen Groves Lord, whom he married Oct. 9, 1953. He will also be greatly missed by his children, Sharon (Lee) Fischer of Lakewood, Steven (Dudy) Lord of Jamestown, and Judith (Steve) Swanson of Blockville; his granddaughter whom he raised like a daughter, Sheliena Lord; her children who were akin to grandchildren, Jasmine Lord, Jacob Millward, and Julia Millward; his step-grandchildren, Tom Badgley, Hope (Ron) Anderson, Phliana (Devin) Miles, Ian (Jessica) Holmes, Mike (Sarah) Swanson, Rich (Crystal) Swanson, and Melinda Swanson; many great-grandchildren; his brother, Richard (Joyce) Lord; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by his son, Joseph A. Lord, who passed March 27, 2022; and his siblings, Robert Lord, Charles Lord, Doris Lutz, Joyce Wells, Norma Catanese, and Shirley Whitton.

Burial will be at Blockville Union Cemetery on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, at 11 am. The Celebration of Life for Melvin will be at 1 pm on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at Ashville United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.

To leave words of condolence, please visit lindfuneralhome.com.