Melvin John Wachob

1943 - 2025

Melvin John Wachob, 81, of Reynoldsville, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Penn Highlands Dubois.

He was born at home on July 31, 1943, in Henderson Township, Jefferson County, a son of the late Mark Wachob and Elva Catherine (Reed) Wachob. Melvin was a 1961 graduate of Sykesville Henderson High School. After high school, Mr. Wachob enlisted into the United States Army from 1962-1965, during the Vietnam War, where he proudly served most of his time at the Pentagon as an Army Administration Specialist.

On May 9, 1964, Melvin married his sweetheart, Donna Jean Pifer, who survives. They were blessed to share 60 years of marriage, which they recently celebrated surrounded by their family.

After his service time, Melvin and Donna relocated to Wilcox, and he began his career as a maintenance mechanic for Osram-Sylvania in St. Marys. His career spanned forty-two years before retiring in 2005.

Being born on a farm, Melvin enjoyed anything and everything that had to do with farm animals, gardening and tractors. He loved planting and tending to his garden each summer as it brought him great joy sharing his harvest with many friends and neighbors. In his free time, he could be found at toy tractor shows with his sons and their extensive collection. He was also a former member of the Past to Present Machinery Association.

In addition to his loving wife, Melvin is survived by two sons: David John Wachob of Luthersburg, and Timothy (Stephanie) Wachob of Wilcox; two grandchildren: Kayla Bobenrieth and Brian Kirkland; four brothers: Dorsey L. (Kathryn) Wachob of Big Run, Earl (Linda) Wachob of Ridgway, Boyd Wachob and Paul Wachob, both of Big Run; one sister-in-law: Peggy Wachob of Wilcox; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Mark Wachob, and one sister, Lorraine Beck.

A memorial service will be held at the Paradise United Church of Christ on March 29, 2025, at 11 AM, officiated by Barry Fillman. Friends will be received prior to the service, from 10 until 11 AM. Military honors will be accorded by the Jefferson County Veterans Honor Guard. His ashes will be interred at Fairview Cemetery of Big Run.

Arrangements are under the direction of Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc. of Big Run.

Memorial donations may be made in Melvin's memory to the Paradise United Church of Christ.

Online condolences may be made at www.shumakerfh.com.