Melvin C. Bartholomew


Melvin Carl Bartholomew, age 86, of Charlotte — a compassionate man with a great sense of humor — died June 8, 2020. Born to Lester and Florence (Lee) Bartholomew on January 29, 1934, Melvin grew up learning about family values and was the glue that held his family together. A car buff and collector of much, Melvin enjoyed his Model A and Packard. He also enjoyed fishing, especially with his great-grandkids, and golf with a unique style that was all his own. A very patriotic man, Melvin was proud of his time in the Navy during the Korean War, and continued to love healthy discussions about politics and the constitution with a true love of his country. He was a member of the American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte and Post 225 in Lansing.
A great family man and story teller, Melvin’s stories will be missed greatly by his family. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Lois; daughters, Jill (Jim) Wright and Lori (Steve) Orler; three grandchildren, Jamie (Gerry) Bristor, Kelsey Wright, Maddie Orler; two great-grandchildren, Kohen and Ezra Bristor; and siblings, Ruth Smith, Martha Austin and Harry Bartholomew. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Clifford, Larry and Claude; and sister, Donna Hobert.
Funeral services will be held in the Pray Funeral Home garden on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 1 p.m., with visitation prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Due to current COVID-19 guidelines, it is requested that all guests wear a mask. Webcasting of the service will take place so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Melvin’s tribute, and then click on photos & videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Melvin on his online tribute page. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, where Melvin and Lois were long-time members.