Thomas Edward "Eddie" Mcmellon

Thomas Edward "Eddie" McMellon entered into the nearer presence of God - far too soon - on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012 after a brief illness.

Born in Huntington, W.Va., on Dec. 13, 1955, he moved to Akron, Ohio with his family in his teen years. He graduated from Firestone High School in 1974 and attended Kent State University and The University of Akron. Eddie's artist's eye and talent for working with his hands led him to a long career as a self-employed master paperhanger. Over the years, he covered the walls of many of Akron's downtown offices, some of them several times over. Eddie had a heart for downtown Akron and was proud to contribute in his way to its comeback. He was most recently employed at Zion Lutheran Church.

A deeply spiritual man with a tender heart, Eddie was raised in the church, attending Woodland United Methodist Church with his family as a young adult, later transferring to St. Paul's Episcopal and most recently was a member at Church of Our Savior Episcopal. Eddie carried his faith with him beyond Sunday worship, taking time to read his Bible and pray every day.

Eddie was a renaissance man: a voracious reader (nonfiction mostly), art enthusiast (he rarely missed an exhibition at the Akron Art Museum), lover of music (his taste ran the gamut from the Grateful Dead to Beethoven), rooftop astronomer (he was proprietor of the Bluefish Observatory), and gourmet cook (homemade spaghetti sauce and anything grilled were his specialties). He was Founder and Past President of the Beer Club For Men, whose annual black tie potluck dinners raised funds for the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank. Eddie loved cats and dogs and would visit the local animal shelters periodically for his "fur fix". And he looked great in everything from jeans to a tuxedo to an Easter Bunny costume.

Preceded in death by his father, Herbert T. McMellon; he is survived by his mother and stepfather, Norma and Bruce Shaw; sisters, Susan B. Spurlock, Jennifer McMellon Hissem (Jerry), Jacqui McMellon Davis; nephews, Jeremy (Emily), Jordan, and Spencer Davis; brother in spirit, Scott Connor; and dear friend, Gail Wild. He will also be deeply missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family wishes to thank the physicians and staff on Akron City Hospital's T3 ICU and the Palliative Care Unit for their compassion and excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, One of A Kind Pet Rescue, Akron Art Museum, or a charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place. Calling hours will be held on Friday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., with a memorial service immediately following.




FAIRLAWN Chapel