AUGUSTA – Melvin Tinkham, 102, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta.

Born on June 26, 1920, in Litchfield to Wendell B and Eva (Maxwell) Tinkham, being the middle son. His mother died when Melvin was the age of 3 and was raised by his father. He attended schools in Wales, where he was a lifelong resident until the age of 98. He was married to Grace Thompson for 73 years until her passing in 2015.

He was drafted into the army in September 1944 serving in central Europe in a howitzer gun crew. At the time of his induction, he left his wife and three little girls at home crossing the ocean on the Queen Mary to the European theater.

He was employed by several companies over the years with his last employment at Albany Felt in North Monmouth. He was a member of the Wales Presbyterian Church and helped in the building of the Manse. He coached Little League teams where his son, Gary, played. Melvin built his home in Wales, repaired his vehicles for many years, and was a “jack of all trades”. He enjoyed playing cards, doing puzzles, and watching the Red Sox. He especially enjoyed family gatherings.

He is survived by his daughters, Judy Edgecomb and husband Alan of Litchfield, Gail Theriault and husband Craig of Waterboro, Wendy Satoyoski and husband Ken of Phoenix, Ariz., Cheryl Clary and husband James of Gilford, N.H.; grandchildren, Pamela Lovering, Matthew Edgecomb, Michele Guilmette, Eric Theriault, Stacey Hoeder, Peter Bowman, Shawn Clary; 12 great- grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by wife, Grace; son, Gary; grandson, Craig Edgecomb; great-grandson, Jeromy Tanguay; and brothers Eugene and William.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the care and compassion received from the staff of the MVH and the Hospice nurses who attended him in his final days. Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com

A funeral service with military honors will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14 at Bragdon-Finley Funeral Home, 707 Main St., Monmouth. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the funeral home from 12 to 1 p.m. Interment at a later date at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 980 Turner St., Auburn.

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