Melvin R. Warke, age 86, of Whitehall PA, formerly of Schnecksville PA, died Sunday, October 22, 2006 in the Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, Bethlehem PA. He was the husband of the late Thelma I. (Bruder) Warke.

Born in Northampton PA, Melvin was the son of the late Robert K. and Lottie M. (Silfies) Warke. He was employed as the Business Manager at the Lehigh County Prison, PA Department of Corrections, for 10 years before retiring. Prior to that, he was the Office Manager of the former Trexler Orchards, Orefield PA for 28 years. He also was a Notary Public in the Commonwealth of PA.

A well known local Musician, he was the leader of the Mel Warke Combo Orchestra. He was a Member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua, Whitehall PA. Melvin faithfully and honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War II with a rank of Sergeant. He received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theatre Ribbon, The Good Conduct Ribbon and the European African Middle Eastern Ribbon with One Battle Star. Melvin was a Past Commander of the Vernon G. Kern V.F.W. Post # 8344, Schnecksville PA.

He is survived by his Sons, Timothy I. Warke of Queens NY, Jonathan S. Warke of Kutztown PA and Daniel V. Warke of Dallas TX; Daughters, Melody Montgomery of Danbury CT and Kathleen L. Warke with whom he resided; Sister, Dorothy Tielmann of Wescosville PA; 9 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchildren. He is predeceased in death by his Brother, Russell Warke.

Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 26, 2006 in the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville. Family and Friends may call 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Funeral Home with Lay Minister Henry A. Distler, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow the service with Military Honors at Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown PA.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Thelma I. Warke Aspiring Musician Scholarship Fund c/o the Funeral Home, PO Box 196, Schnecksville PA 18078-0196.