Melvin R. Kull

Melvin R. Kull, 80, of Pottsville, was welcomed with open arms to his heavenly home Friday at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Born in Pottsville, Dec. 3, 1937, he was a son of the late George E. and Eva M. Kull. He was the husband of his adoring and loving wife, Mary A. Holland Kull, recently celebrating 61 years of a beautiful marriage on June 3.

Melvin was employed at the former Pottsville Bleach and Dye, Port Carbon, from the age of 16 until it closed when he was 61.

He was a devoted Servant of Christ and a longtime member of the Salvation Army, Pottsville, holding leadership positions as corps treasurer, Sunday school teacher, Boys Club leader, Men's Fellowship secretary, among various other roles in the church. He was generous in his love for God, family and people from all walks of life. He was an inspiration to many with his caring nature and quirky sense of humor, known by many for his woodworking skills and his famous rice pudding.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Debra Jean Kull, and daughter, Lisa Mills; great-granddaughter, Alexis Kull; brother, Edward Kull.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four daughters, Theresa, wife of Stan Nebistinsky, Pottsville, Cheryl, widow of Jack Kelly, Pottsville, Mary Ann, wife of Elwood Orndorff, Pottsville, and Kim, wife of Major Duane Harris, Pittsburgh; six sons, Raymond, husband of Barbie Kull, Clark Summit, Richard, husband of Mary Lou Kull, Pottsville, Darin, husband of Lois Kull, Hellertown, Ronald, husband of Cheryl Kull, Orwigsburg, James, husband of Melissa Kull, Schuylkill Haven, and Chris Kull; 25 grandchildren; more than 50 great-grandchildren; siblings, George, husband of Dolores Kull, Plumsteadville, David, husband of Ann Kull, California, Mae Reeder, widow of Lewis, Virginia, and Frank, husband of Mary Kull, Ohio; nieces and nephews; his furry companion, Cuddles.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Salvation Army, Pottsville, with Envoy Brad Harris and Major Duane Harris officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. Wednesday until the time of service. The family requests donations to the Salvation Army, 400 Sanderson St., Pottsville. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.