Melvin L. Polen

Melvin L. Polen, 87, of Washington, died on Friday, February 13, 2015, in the Donnell House. He was born on May 11, 1927, in Ryerson Station, Greene County, a son of Samuel Floyd and Lucille Turner Polen. He was a graduate of Richhill High School, in Wind Ridge. For thirty-six years, he was a conductor for Conrail Railroad, retiring in 1987. He was a fifty-year member of the United Transportation Union. He was a member of Hickory United Evangelical Presbyterian Church. A World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy, Mr. Polen served from November 13, 1944, until his Honorable Discharge, as a Seaman 2nd Class, on July 17, 1946. For his service, he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the Pacific Theater Ribbon, and the American Theater Ribbon. Mr. Polen was a past First Vice Commander of the American Legion, Post 643, in Avella. He was also a member of the Washington County Metal Detectors Club, a life member of the Houston VFW, the Elks #176, in Washington, and the Lagonda Homemakers. He enjoyed bowling in the Monday and Wednesday, Route 19 Senior Bowling League, and he coached Little League baseball and football. On December 14, 1946, he married his wife of sixty-eight years, Martha Jane Marsh, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Marcia (Robert) Bish, of Midway, and Billlie Jean (Joe) Yuhas, of Avella; a son, Clifford Polen, of Avella, a brother, Howard Polen, of Orlando, FL, a sister, Linda Iams, of Waynesburg; twelve grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a daughter, Patty Grabski, three brothers, Boyd, Dale and Edgar Polen, and a sister, Mildred Thomas. Friends will be received on Monday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 17, 2015, with Pastor Lou Templeton officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Prospect Cemetery. Military Rites will be accorded graveside, by the American Legion Post 643, Avella.