Melvin Carroll Leaman

Leaman Melvin Carroll Leaman, 56, died on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at his home in Marion. He was born in Washington, D.C., to the late James Carroll Leaman and Lorraine Jones Leaman. He grew up in the Marlowe Heights area of Maryland where he attended the Ben Franklin School of Accounting. He moved to Marion in the mid-1970's and went to work for Appalachian Power Company. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Marion where he sang in the choir and served on the Men's Vestry. He was a former chairman for the Smyth County Democrat Party, an aide for Delegate John H. Tate in the Virginia House of Delegates and served on the Marion Town Council for the past 16 years. He was the director of the Smyth County Free Clinic for the past nine years. He served on various boards, civic organizations and coached in the Marion Recreational Department for several years. Survivors include his loving wife of 34 years, Jane Leaman; three children, Kelly Blevins and husband, Andy, of Marion, Michelle Powers and husband, Ronnie, of Marion and Brian Leaman of Marion; brother, Jim Leaman and wife, Cindy, of Richmond; grandchildren, Sarah Jane Blevins, Olivia Porter Blevins, Kendell Marie Powers, Jacob Melvin Ryan Powers -- "a fighter just like his papaw," Brian Martin Leaman Jr., and Trevan Cole Leaman; and many, many friends. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at Christ Episcopal Church in Marion with the Rev. Dr. Christopher P. Mason and the Rev. Dr. Mark Ross officiating. Inurnment followed in the church columbarium. The family received friends Monday from 6 until 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Requested in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Smyth County Free Clinic, P.O. Box 1273, Marion, VA 24354. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley's Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.