Melvin Lee Edler

MELVIN L. EDLER, son of the late William and Rosia L. Edler, was born on March 30, 1923 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. On October 4, 2014, he peacefully slipped away. Melvin was educated in the Spotsylvania County School System. In the early 1960’s he graduated from the Veterans School of Barbering, Washington, D.C.. In April 1943, Melvin was drafted into the United States Army. During World War II, he served as a driver for the Army’s Amphibian Trucking Company where he transported food, ammunition, bombs and spare parts throughout Sidney, Australia; Papua New Guinea; and, the Luzon Islands in Manila, Philippines. Melvin, as Private First Class, was honorably discharged with three Bronze Stars, December 26, 1945. He was a Charter Member of the World War II Museum in Washington, D.C. Shortly after his discharge, Melvin was employed by the Department of the Army (Pentagon). He gave thirty-eight years of Federal Service and retired in January 1980. During these years and until June 2013, Melvin spent uncountable hours at his favorite place, Preston’s Barber Shop on Georgia Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C., where he made many friends and groomed the hair of some clients for over 50 years. In the late 1940’s, Melvin was introduced to the “Love of His Life,” Marie L. Bowman by his sister Addie. Melvin and Marie were married on June 1, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland. From this union, two children were born, Melva and Eric. Their marriage withstood sixty years until Marie’s transition on October 11, 2008. Melvin was loving, kind, patient, quiet, humble and so grateful for any kindness shown to him. He often remarked “people don’t have to be nice to you”. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them for dinners, special occasions, the Redskins, and just for any reason to be together. Melvin leaves to cherish his memory: his dedicated children, Melva and Eric of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; one sister and one brother, Addie M. Coleman and George A. Edler, both of Washington, D.C.; three grandchildren, Kim L. Matthews (Brian) of Hyattsville, Maryland, Keith M. Cunningham (Stacey) of District Heights, Maryland, Erin Martin (Sean) of Clinton, Maryland; four great-grandchildren, Keith D. Cunningham, John Corey Cunningham and Briana A. Matthews, and Jourdyn M. Ross, and a host of relatives, friends and neighbors.

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Melvin Lee Edler

March 30, 1923 - October 4, 2014