Melvin E. Clayton, 72, passed away at his home in Pottstown surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 6, 2014. Born in Abbeville County, South Carolina, Melvin was a son of the late Pelton Jones and the late Flodrie Clayton.

Melvin was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to all. He was a football player and graduate of Emma Maddox High School in Ware Shoals, South Carolina. He retired from Norristown State Hospital after 36 years of dedicated service. While at Norristown State Hospital, he was very active in the union and proudly held the posts of Union Leader and Union President.

Melvin is survived by his loving wife , Jane M. (Lyman) Clayton, his sons, Keith E. (Toni) Bazzle, and Christopher D. Bazzle, both of Austin, Texas; stepchildren, Sarah J. Mount and Charles H. Allen IV; siblings, Ellen Dial, Carroll Frazier and Eddie Jones, all of Philadelphia; nine grandchildren, Keith II, Kayla and Kyra Bazzle, Courtney and Christopher Bazzle II, Jeremiah and Nicholas Iadaevaia, Jasmine Collins and Jacob Mount; great grandson, Samuel Isenberg-Iadaevaia; and the last 2 siblings of his mother: Frances Anderson and Bernice Mays of Hodges, SC, a special cousin, Lucille Evans of Donalds, SC. A host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his son, Melvin E. Clayton Jr. and step-daughter, Sheriann Collins.

Melvin was a very active member of Bethel Baptist Church in Phoenixville where he served as a Deacon. In his spare time, Melvin enjoyed fishing, watching sports--especially the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Dodgers, and spending time with friends and family.

A special thank you to Jefferson Hospice, Paoli and Reading Hospitals, and Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital for their loving care and support during this difficult time.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service on Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., at Bethel Baptist Church, 412 Fairview Street, Phoenixville. Officiating will be the Rev. Nathan Coleman. Melvin will be laid to rest at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Pottstown. A viewing will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Church. Memorial contributions may be made in Melvin’s name to the Bethel Baptist Church, 412 Fairview Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.