Melvin A. Landis

Melvin A. Landis, 83, of Goshen and formerly of Harleysville and Schwenksville, Pa., passed away early Sunday morning, July 28, 2013, at Greencroft Goshen Health Care. He was born Sept. 20, 1929 on a Mennonite farmstead in Harleysville, Pa., to Elias N. and Sallie M. (Alderfer) Landis. 62 years ago he married Esther W. Alderfer on Sept. 2, 1950 in Souderton, Pa. As newlyweds, they served three months in voluntary service. She survives along with their five children, Steve (Emily) and Mike (Jan), both of Goshen, Flo (Larry) Shetler of Kalispell, Mont., John (Sally)Landis of Pipersville, Pa. and Jayne (Chuck) Eppley of Harleysville, Pa.; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Abram, Betty, Kass, Doris, Mary, Ruth and Jim. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Emma, Curt, Elias Jr., and Susan. He completed 8th grade in 1943 and earned his GED in the 70's. Mel worked his entire career in the meat industry. He began at the family market stand, then Gra-Brams and retired from Hatfield in 1995. Following retirement he continued working part time at the Wayne Farmers Market, Pa. A volunteer EMT in Harleysville for a number of years, he was active on church and school committees. He enjoyed traveling and visiting extended family throughout the US. Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9 at The Meethinghouse at Greencroft, Goshen. On Saturday, Aug. 10, a 3 p.m. memorial service will be conducted at Waterford Mennonite Church with visitation to follow until 5 p.m. Additional services will be held at the Salford Mennonite Church on Sun. Aug. 25 with a 2 p.m. memorial service with visitation to follow. Cremation will take place and cremated remains will be placed in the Waterford Mennonite Church Columbarium.