Robert “Bob” Franklin Melling, age 91 of Greenville, Ohio, passed away on Saturday July 18, 2026, at 4:11 AM at EverHeart Hospice Care Center in Greenville.
Bob was born on September 19, 1934, in West Manchester, Ohio to the late Roy F. and Lorene V. (Brandon) Melling.
Bob worked in construction work all of his life starting at the early age of 15. He worked for himself; ‘Bob Melling General Contracting’ worked with his brother ‘Melling Construction’ and his Brother-in-laws. Bob worked for Tom Hunt, Don Neff, Junior Neff, Dale Rismiller and was the maintenance man at his daughter’s restaurant, Vints Family Restaurant. He had worked for several other people also.
He loved spending time with his family and having an annual Hog Roast. His family meant the world to him. He enjoyed going fishing, boat riding, and mushroom hunting in Michigan; he belonged to a CB Club, and his handle was “Mushroom Hunter.” He enjoyed sitting outside on his swing with his dog ‘Buddy.’ He also enjoyed going on trips/vacations with his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara J. (Varvel) Melling on December 14, 2010, whom he married on March 9, 1954, his daughter, Dixie Clark; granddaughter Pam Phillips; grandson in law, Jerry Phillips, granddaughter, Megan Riegle; great granddaughters, Gracelynn Phillips and MacKenzie Clark; a great grandson, Donald Head; a step grandson, Robin Idle; brothers, Donald, Roy Jr., and Richard (Dick); and sisters, Lucille Greer, Helen Snyder, Mildred McGriff, Dilyerd and Betty Lou Melling.
Bob is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Neva (Mitch) Herron of St. Mary’s, Phyllis (John) Riegle of Pitsburg, Cathy Melling of Greenville, and Robin Melling (Beau Butterfield) of Piqua; grandchildren, Jackie Jones, Robbie Bragg, Mandy (Dave) Swisshelm, Billie (Isaac) Riegle, Curtis (Mandi) Riegle, Zach (Jackie) Melling, JJ (Sara) Clark, Amy Clark, Krystal (Tyler) Hoisington, Nikki Clark, Joey (Heather) Sowers, Erica Cook, and Eric Cook; step grandson, Jarrod (Tina) Idle; 53 great grandchildren, 13 great great grandchildren plus one more on the way; brothers and sisters-in-law, Galen Melling, Larry (Jill) Melling; sister, Louise Hileman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Services will be held on Sunday July 26, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio with Frank McKibben and Pastor Jim Morehouse officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 3:00 Pm on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to EverHeart Hospice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Melling family.
