Melvin R. Dutrow, 83, of Centre Hall, died Monday, November 27, 2006 at Mt. Nittany Medical Center at State College.
He was born April 4, 1923, in Potter Township, a son of the late John H. and Alice L. Heckman Dutrow.
On January 25, 1947 he married Margaret Spotts Dutrow who survives at home.
Melvin graduated from Centre Hall Potter High school.
Early in life Melvin worked at the live stock auction at Centre Hall and farmed for John Patterson. He also worked for Carl Long Sr. in building construction. Most of his life he followed his true passion of farming and was active on the family farm as long as his health permitted. He also served two terms as a Potter Township Supervisor.
A life member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Centre Hall, he served two terms on the church council. He was also a member of Progress Grange.
In addition to his passion for farming he enjoyed hunting and earlier in life enjoyed horseback riding.
Mr. Dutrow is survived by three daughters, Linda M. Dutrow, and Freda Schluter and her husband Walt both of Centre Hall, and Virginia L. Gummo of Stormstown; two sons, Melvin K. Dutrow and his wife Jeanne, and Ted L. Dutrow and his wife Mindy both of Centre Hall; four brothers, John Dutrow and his wife Betty of Centre Hall, D. Ray Dutrow and his wife Janet of Mifflinburg, Lynn E. Dutrow and his wife Mary Louise of Centre Hall, and Warren Dutrow and his wife Mona of Beaver Springs; ten grandchildren, Joseph, Daniel, and Josette (Becky) Schluter of Centre Hall, Kaitlyn and Brianna Gummo of Stormstown, Andrew, Thomas and Steven Dutrow of Centre Hall, and Alicia and Eryn Dutrow of Centre Hall; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Leona Jane Dutrow and a granddaughter Megan Cassandra Dutrow; two sisters, Geraldine Dashem and Hazel Rockey and one brother C. Kenneth Dutrow.
Following his wishes, there will be no public visitation. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a. m. on Friday, December 1, 2006, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 301 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA, with the Rev. Dr. Barry Folmar officiating. Burial will be in the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery in Centre Hall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 331, Centre Hall, PA 16828, or to Penns Valley Emergency Medical Services, P. O. Box 650, Millheim, PA 16854.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com