Service measured not by GOLD,
                           but by the GOLDEN RULE

Service measured not by GOLD,
          but by the GOLDEN RULE

330.262.7771

Miles œMelvin  Mark was a numbers guy and made sure to pass on to his heavenly father on a day of his choosing; 2/1/21.   Melvin passed away at his home surrounded by his babies (pets) and his daughters; Shannan, Stephanie, & Sabrina.
Melvin was the son of Ernest œMiles  Mark and Helen Virginia Sampsel.   He was born November 5, 1954 and he was the youngest of 4 children.   His first years were spent on the family farm on 539 and later moved to Congress.   He worked many places, but his favorite job was working for Zagar and Metro Media technologies where he could travel the world tinkering and troubleshooting specialized machinery.   He would always return home with treasures and trinkets for his family.
Melvin ™s passions in life were many but the biggest one was his love for animals; which he passed on to his children.   He was always bringing home a new critter, most recently he was the proud guardian to a Groundhog named Brown Sugar.   He also taught tricks to his 9 year old Guinea Pig Snowflake.   You NEVER saw Melvin without his faithful canine companion Kahlua an Australian Shepherd he rescued.   He was very fond of fishing as well.   Melvin enjoyed nothing more than taking the grandkids out to the pond and throwing in a line.
Melvin also enjoyed mushroom hunting.   He often would drive south and follow the progression north.   He would pile the kids and grandkids in the car and get œlost  all day in the woods.   He had plans this spring to go shrooming in Idaho for his first ever mountain hunt.
He could often be spotted at the Ashland & Wayne County Fairs with his tractor, a John Deere 4020 called œThe Deere of Freedom .   Melvin named the tractor that to honor those that passed away on 9/11.   He restored the tractor with the help of his daughters, and even got them hooked in to pulling at tractor pulls.
Melvin is survived by his daughters Melissa Brinker of Ashland, Shannan (Damon) Jones of Loudonville, Stephanie (Jeff) Long of Wooster, Sabrina (Troy Counts) Bowles of Mansfield; and Family Friend Brandon Bowles of Ashland.   He has 7 grandchildren: Julie, Tyler, Andrew, Kayla, Brianna, Brandi, and Lucas Miles Mark (named after his papaw).   Melvin also has 7 Great Grandchildren; a brother Carl (Nancy) Mark of Wooster, and Sisters Marita (Greg) Buchanan of Wooster, Naomi Evans of Coco Beach FL; as well as many nieces and nephews.   Melvin had a special bond with his nephew Troy Norris who was more a kid brother than a nephew.   He is preceded in death by his loving parents and a brother-in-law Dennis Evans.
Shannan, Stephanie, & Sabrina would like to thank Ohio ™s Hospice LifeCare for the amazing care and comfort they were able to provide their Dad in his final days.   This enabled him to be at home surrounded by his loved ones!
Friends will be received on Sunday, February 7, 2020 from 2:00 “ 4:00pm at the Mohican Church of the Brethren, 7759 Elyria Rd., West Salem, OH 44287, with the funeral service beginning at 4:00pm.   Due to the pandemic, Masks are required and social distancing will be strictly enforced.   A private graveside service will be held at Wooster Cemetery.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to his church family Mohican Church of the Brethren, 7759 Elyria Rd., West Salem, OH 44287; the Wayne County Humane Society, 1161 Mechanicsburg Rd., Wooster, OH 44691; or Ohio ™s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.

Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to his church family Mohican Church of the Brethren, 7759 Elyria Rd., West Salem, OH 44287; the Wayne County Humane Society, 1161 Mechanicsburg Rd., Wooster, OH 44691; or Ohio ™s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.

Service
Sunday, February 7, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at the Church

Visitation
Friends will be received on Sunday, February 7, 2020 from 2:00 “ 4:00pm at the Mohican Church of the Brethren, 7759 Elyria Rd., West Salem, OH 44287, with the funeral service beginning at 4:00pm.   Due to the pandemic, Masks are required and social distancing will be strictly enforced.

28 Comments

  1. So Sad for ALL of Our Loss Thank YOU for taking good care of HIM by taking HIM to be with ALL of YOU til the end.Melvin will be with US always in OUR HEARTS and MEMORIES ❤️

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  2. Thank You so much for these loving words about your Dad. Yes, he was more like my Big Brother than my Uncle Mel. I will miss him dearly. I love you girls & will always be here for you 3. I know I can’t take the place of your Dad, but, I will try my best to always be there for you with any Help or Advice you ever need. Thank You so much for asking me to be a part of his service. I am truly honored. Reading these words you put in here about his & my relationship brought on some serious tears, even still as I am trying to write this. I will always love you, Uncle Mel. You will be truly missed my Brother.

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  3. You girls did an AMAZING job. I’m glad your dad was able to be home with you. Even though Melvin wasn’t my blood uncle, he always treated me like family and shared his love, wisdom and a listening ear, as well as laughs. I will miss you, and our talks and our silly texts. I will never forget you. I love you my dear Uncle Melvin! Until we meet again.

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  4. Melvin was such a great kind loving man!! We met him through the Lords Pantry which he would never miss. He would always bring his dog up to see us as well!! He will be missed deeply and this really breaks our hearts!!! We always loved the stories he had for us! Much love to the family, and know that your dad was a very special person!! We won’t forget him for sure!

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  5. I have many memories of your dad. I know you’ll miss him very much. I will always warmly remember Melvin speaking at my mom’s funeral – his words so kind and thoughtful – and it helped us get through that most difficult period. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you grieve.
    Richard and Debbie Howell

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  6. My girls loved your dad! He was an amazing person and always treated everyone with kindness and respect. He beamed with pride when it came to his children, grandchildren, and great grand children. He will be missed beyond words. My thoughts, love, and prayers go out to the entire Mark family. May God be with your during this trying time.

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  7. Most of my memories of Melvin come from when we were kids, playing in the barn at his Mom and Dad’s farm, and later when his parents moved into Congress. We were the two most likely to get in trouble. We hadn’t seen each other for years until the family reunion 2 years ago. We thought it amazing that we now put our lives in the hands of our Lord Jesus Christ. I know now he is seeing sights I plan on seeing with him some day. My prayers are with the family and friends as they mourn.

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  8. He will be greatly missed by many of us at The Lords Pantry who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him! Such a kind man with alot of cool stories!…we know he knew Jesus and is at peace with him now. All our love and prayers to his family may God comfort you and keep you.

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  9. This is such a beautiful account of his life! You ladies did such a great job on this and did an AMAZING job caring for him! I’m so proud of you ladies and will see you soon! All my love to you during this difficult time! Know you are loved and you are AMAZING women!!

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  10. I wish I had gotten to meet your dad Shannon. I am glad you got to spend more time at home with him before he passed. My dad passed away on the lawn at his home in FL – a neighbor found him. BTW, my father’s name was Melvin also – not a common name. Sorry honey for all the input on my dad. I just can’t believe how much your loss has affected me emotionally. We must share a connection that isn’t blood related? IDK, but I grieve heavily with you (and your family). Love you muches, Lynn

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  11. Missy,Snookie,Stiffie,Stiffness, Beebob and kids,Our hearts go out to you and the loss of Melvin. He was proud of you all and loved you unconditionally. You all fulfilled his last wishes,and loved him til the end. He was not a perfect man, but we all know there is only one,and He sits on His Throne. Mel helped me alot over the years,including stepping up ,when it wasn’t his job to help this single Mom with a rehearsal dinner,”They are (Tony and Chris),like my own)” so be proud ,Mel loved his family. Love you all so much.

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  12. I am so sorry, I know how hard it is to say goodbye. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and we are sending lots of love and hugs to all of you.

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  13. We send our love and prayers for the comfort you all need to carry you thru this hard time!
    The memories we made together,in the passed as neighbors are a blessing for us and thank GOD for them. We’re always here for you all as your extended family. We will miss your pop’s visits and stories he shared about your mushroom hunting! GOD bless!

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  14. Sorry for your loss, I hope your many good memories help during this difficult period of time.

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  15. Continuing to hold all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I know how much your dad meant to you. Hang in there girls you are all so strong!

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  16. Dear Shannan, Stephanie & Sabrina,

    We are so sorry for your loss! Your Dad was a good man and will be missed. Praying for God’s comfort for all of you during this difficult time.

    Love,
    Uncle David & Aunt Carol

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  17. Deeply sorry for the passing of Melvin and, praying for comfort for each one of you. Fond memories of the Congress family!

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  18. I was a school classmate of Melvin. I saw him in our 45th Class Reunion & he was a wonderful friend. I am sorry for your loss. Many prayers for your family & friends!

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  19. I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Melvin at Metromedia. We always had great conversations about tractor pulling,his latest mushroom hunting finds,and of course his children in which he loved and could not talk enough about. Many years later to my surprise I was able to catch back up with Melvin when he visited my neighbors at the time Troy and Annette. During this visit he made my son’s day by letting him drive one of his pulling tractors down the road. Melvin was such a caring, gentle soul and will be missed by many. Prayers to the family for comfort and peace.

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  20. I’m was so sorry to hear of the passing of our old friend. He was a good person and a friend for many years. I will never forget all the old memories we shared in the 60’s and 70’s. From delivering papers, mowing yards, helping on local farms, and helping his Dad at the junior high, Melvin was always a busy person. I couldn’t believe that Melvin worked so many hours and still had time for his friends and making excellent grades in school. Melvin was the only kid I knew in Wayne County that had a siren on his bicycle, and a riding mower that moved as fast as a mini bike. In our teens, there was never a dull moment riding around in his American made muscle cars and traveling the county. Melvin will always be our legend, and a friend forever.

    Vernon Howell & family

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  21. I was surprised at his passing. So sorry for your loss. He always left messages on holidays and special events for me. We worked on special projects together at Metromedia; he was very helpful. He would tell me about his three daughters so that I got to know ya’ll! He was excited when one of you was taking (I think accounting) classes: I’m not sure if it was Shannon but she lived close to Cinnamon Lake. Prayers to all of you and he will always be remembered!

    Bob Miller from Metromedia Media

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  22. Our love thoughts and prayers to the entire family he will be missed but not forgotten love Tom and Laura Sampsel

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  23. Memories are all we have of Melvin going forward, and tomorrow is just a mystery to us all. I am so sorry I cannot be there with you all my Mark Family, to say goodbye to little brother. I am with you in thought, and sending hugs and much love. Praying for my big brother Carl and sisters Naomi and Marita to find peace. My heart is breaking for you all! Rest in paradise Melvin!

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  24. My condolence to all you girls. I know your dad loved you so much. I am with you in thoughts and prayers. LOVE YOU ALL.

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  25. So sorry for your loss. I have many childhood memories of the whole family Carl, Marita, Naomi and Melvin. And more recent memories of the “S” sisters. My sympathy to all.

    Reply

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