Kenneth R. Melson Sr., 86, passed away suddenly Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018. He was born in the Dam Neck area formerly known as Princess Anne County.
Kenneth led an accomplished life. By the age of 17, he had already driven tractor trailers and moved on to be a U.S. Merchant Marine. Before turning 18, he had crossed the Atlantic five times. He even spent a summer in the North Pole where the high temperature one day reached 50 degrees below zero. Kenneth later joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Korean War.
He worked for the State of Delaware managing the dredging operations for eight years and eventually retired from the Virginia Beach Erosion Commission after 35 years of service. Kenneth’s lifelong passion was building boats. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and managing baseball. He was also an active member of the American Legion Post 113 in Virginia Beach for over 57 years.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Jacquelyn Doyle Melson; parents, Richard and Bessie Melson; son, Kenneth Melson Jr.; and sister, Kay Collins.
He is survived by his daughter, Caroline Melson Watson, and her husband, Keith; brother, Richard Melson; grandchildren, Jacquelyn and Kenneth Robbins; and great-grandson, Ethan.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 17, at London Bridge Baptist Church, 2460 Potters Road, Virginia Beach.
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