Obituary of Melvin D. Holtham

CANASTOTA. . . Melvin D. "Mel" Holtham, 76, of 4398 Whitman Road, Canastota, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2019, at Oneida Healthcare surrounded by his loving family, following a lengthy illness. He was born on March 8, 1943 in Canastota, the son of the late William and Kathleen (Holt) Holtham. Mel spent his early years in Lebanon, Poolville and later in Oneida for six years. He graduated from Earlville High School in 1960. Mel has resided in Canastota since 1970. He was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Mel worked as a truck driver for Agway Lumber in Oneida for thirteen years, and previously worked for the Highway Dept in the City of Sherrill for five years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, home repairs, reading, and was an avid fan of Syracuse Basketball and New York Giants Football. Mel, also, enjoyed his dogs, and spending time with his family. Mel married Gloria Stanton on June 14, 1964, in Sherrill. Gloria passed away on November 3, 2005. Surviving are: three sons and daughters-in-law, Frederick and Missy Holtham of West Winfield, Jefferson "Jeff" and Janette Holtham of Edmeston, and Daniel and Carol Holtham of Oneida; one brother, Warren Dunbar of Canastota; eight grandchildren, Julie Holtham, Jacob Holtham, Thomas Holtham, Courtney Bellinger, Joshua Holtham, Daniel Holtham, Courtney O'Connor, and Chelsea Fassett; one great granddaughter, Gertie Fassett; one aunt; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mel's family would like to thank the Oneida Healthcare ICU Staff for the outstanding care they gave him. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc, 201 James Street, Canastota. Pastor Jeff Leahey of Church on the Rock, Oneida, will officiate. Burial will be in Lenox Rural Cemetery, Canastota. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In his memory, contributions may be made to Wanderers' Rest Humane Association, Inc., PO Box 535, Canastota, NY 13032, with envelopes available at the funeral home. J. HOMER BALL FUNERAL HOME, INC. Canastota A Trust 100 Family Owned Funeral Home