John R Mellinger

John R. Mellinger, 69 of Millwood, passed away December 31, 2016 at Camden Clark Medical Center following a long illness. He was born May 26, 1947 at New Martinsville, WV, a son of the late Ross H. and Madge Wyatt Mellinger. He had a passion for hunting, especially Grouse Hunting with his Bird Dogs, earning the nickname “Grouse Master.” John Dedicated his life to service to his country, his state and his community, He served a total of 26 years in both active and reserve service. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran, having served two tours including service on the Perfume and Cau Viet Rivers followed by administrative assignments in Da Nang and Saigon. He retired in 1992 at the Rank of Chief Petty Officer. In 2009 he retired from the WV Supreme Court of Appeals as Chief Probation Officer for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. His career as Probation Officer spanned 34 years. John was a 1965 graduate of Parkersburg High School. He obtained a Bachelor Degree from Salem College and two Masters Degrees from Marshall University. For many years he served as Adjunct Professor at WVU-P Ripley Center, teaching all Criminal Justice classes. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Ashton Lodge No. 12, Ancient, Free & Accepted Masons, past Board member of W. Va. Association of Probation Officers; member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 5501 in Ripley; member of Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carolyn Mellinger; one son, Ross Mellinger and his wife April; three grandchildren, Kate, Logan and Peyton; two sisters, Jean Oliver and Sharon (Jim) Columbo both of Parkersburg and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Service will be 1:00 pm Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at the Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with Pastor Mark Gerstell officiating. Burial with Military Rites provided by the Jackson County Honor Guard and Masonic Rites provided by Ashton Lodge No. 12, AF &AM will be in the Ravenswood Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Monday at the funeral home. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com