Obituary of Melvin Duba

Melvin Duba Of Sophia formerly of Man, WV Melvin Duba, 78, of Sophia, formerly of Man, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 21, 2020, leaving from Raleigh General Hospital, after a sudden illness. He was born on November 10, 1941, at Fanco, the son of the late Frank and Erma Whitlatch Duba. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Mullins Duba; his siblings, Frank “Little Man” Duba, Joyce Hall, James “Jimmy” Duba, Earl “Butch” Duba, and Shirley Curry; and his son-in-law, Rev. Tommy Vance. Melvin was a 1959 graduate of Man High School. Through his early years, he held a variety of jobs finally choosing a career in coal mining. Melvin began his career as a coal miner working his way from miner, to boss, to foreman, finally owning and operating a coal mine at Rock House with his two brothers, James D. Duba and R. Woodrow Duba. He was a devoted family man, marrying the love of his life Rose and enjoying every minute of raising their children. Melvin loved Hillbilly football, faithfully following the team even to away games with his children, brothers, and sisters. As the grandchildren came along and his circle of family increased his love and dedication continued to grow. As “Grandfather” he was well loved and respected. Melvin was a lifelong member of Man Church of the Nazarene. After moving to Sophia, he faithfully attended Beckley First Church of the Nazarene until the death of his wife. Melvin then began attending the Sophia United Methodist Church that was closer to his home. Those left to cherish his memory are two children, Phillip Duba of Inwood and Cynthia Vance of Davin; his siblings, Alfred (Lucille) Duba of Huntington, Patricia Gillispie of Lavalette, Karen (Harvey) Arms of Man, Woody (Linda) Duba of Santee, SC, Rosie (John) Wolfrey of Berkeley Springs, and Regina (Todd) Trimboli of Huntington; six grandchildren, Danielle (Jeremy) Simpson and DeLynn Vance, both of Davin, Blaine (Destiny) Vance of Princeton, and Rebekah Vance of Davin, Rudy (Danielle) Phillips of Largo, FL, and Brigette (Zach) Meadows of Chesapeake, OH; nine great-grandchilden, Jake, Chase, Bristol, Lilly, Ava, Alexa, Tommy Blaine, Elias and Jack; and many nieces and nephews along with a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will begin at 12 Noon on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at the Man Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Ollie Parsons officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery at Pecks Mill. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the Man Church of the Nazarene. Pall bearers are family and friends. Honorary pall bearers are Posey Perry, Gary Eplin, Gary Ellis, and Jonathan Ellis. A memorial celebration of life service will be held at a later date when all of Melvin’s siblings can attend. Online condolences may be sent to www.krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man.