Melvin ‘Mel’ E. Erb

Melvin ‘Mel’ E. Erb, 77, of Lower Salem, Ohio passed away at Marietta Memorial Hospital Saturday, November 25, 2023. He was a beloved neighbor and friend to many.

Melvin was born October 31, 1946 in Elk Township, Noble County, Ohio to the late Roman and Marjorie Greathouse Erb. He married Shirley Groves (who preceded him in death in 2016) on August 29, 1969 in Tucson, Arizona. The two were married 47 years.

Throughout his life, Melvin was well-known for his physical strength and tenacity having owned and operated a successful timbering business, Erb Logging, for nearly 50 years and cutting his last trees when he was nearly 75 years old.

Melvin will be greatly missed by his daughter Melissa and son-in-law Robert Buchanan of Lowell, Ohio and his two beautiful granddaughters who were his pride and joy, Taylor Cruz (Eduardo) of Kissimmee, Florida and Kasey Buchanan of Kettering, Ohio.

He is also survived by three sisters, Marie Barton of Tucson Arizona, Bonnie Eddy of Newport, Ohio, Brenda Long (Mike) of Fleming, Ohio, two brothers, Wayland (Wynn) Erb and Bruce (Patricia) Erb both of Lower Salem, Ohio, brother-in-laws Rick (Debbie) Groves and Merle Hall both of Marietta, special niece Kimberly (Travis) Baker of Caldwell, Ohio and many other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley, brothers Bill and (infant) Jimmie Erb.

Special thanks to Wayland and Wynn Erb and neighbors Janell and Eddy McConnell for their unwavering help with Melvin and his beloved pets Roscoe and Mikey, and Marietta Memorial for their compassionate care.

In accordance to his wishes, Melvin will be cremated and a private memorial will be held at the family’s convenience. McClure-Shaffer Lankford Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for the family. Messages of sympathy may be sent at www.Lankfordfh.com.