Donald Mellinger

Donald E. Mellinger, 93, of Wernersville passed away March 1, 2017 in The Reading Hospital.
Donald was predeceased by his wife, M. Joy (Cooper)Mellinger . He is survived by his son, Donald E. Mellinger, Jr. and wife, Emy, his son, Scott C. Mellinger and wife, Bridget, and his daughter, Joan E.( Mellinger) Liever, and her husband, Michael. Other survivors include his sister, Mary Serfass and three grandchildren, Steven Mellinger, Kevin Mellinger, and Amy (Liever) Kim. He would be happy to know that his first great-grandchild will be arriving soon. His brother, Richard Mellinger and his granddaughter, Jessica Liever, predeceased him.
Donald was born on September 13, 1923, in Spring Township. Before graduating from Shillington High School in 1941, he participated in varsity basketball, baseball and track. Additionally, he earned two gold medals and one silver medal in the District III pole vault event, and a fourth and fifth place in the state meets.
Don played baseball in the Lebanon Valley League for four seasons with the Shillington team. He also excelled at basketball in the city league with the Franklin AC.
Before entering the army on March 5, 1943, Donald worked at Willson Products and the Textile Machine Works. After starting with the 106th Infantry Division and ending with the 68th Signal Battalion and the 25th Infantry Division in the Luzon campaign in the Philippines, he served three years. While on occupation duty in Japan, he was the starting guard on the 25th Division basketball team and played in the Pacific Olympics in Tokyo. Being very proud of his military service, Don spoke often of his experiences as an American soldier.
Upon graduating from Kutztown State College with majors in math and history, he began his teaching career at Birdsboro. After transferring to Governor Mifflin School District, he taught arithmetic, algebra, and plane geometry for 29 years. Serving 27 years as head of the math department, Don was truly a master teacher to all who knew him. He continued tutoring math students until the age of 86.
In retirement Donald enjoyed golfing, bridge, swimming, reading, crossword puzzles, and travel.
Don always said that family is what mattered most to him, and he cherished family occasions more as he became older. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. We will always remember his quick wit, intelligence, loyalty, and love of sports. Here's hoping your Phillies get back to the World Series soon.
Funeral Services will be held at Bean Funeral Home, 129 E. Lancaster Ave., Shillington, on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 2:00PM. The family will receive friends and relatives from 1-2:00PM. The interment will be at held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.