Melvin "Mel" C. Sanford

Melvin "Mel" C. Sanford, age 75, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 5:20am in Wyandot Memorial Hospital in
Upper Sandusky.

Mel was born in Rainelle, WV on April 18, 1936 to Cecil and Lucille (Kessler) Sanford both of whom are deceased. He married Joyce E. (Reed) on June 20, 1982 in Berlin, Ohio and she passed away on October 18, 2003.

Mel is survived by step children, Cheryl Kiess of Bucyrus, OH, Jerry (Barbara) Snodgrass of Findlay, OH, Shawn (Elaine) Snodgrass of Ripley, WV, Scott Ogg of Nevada, OH and Dana Myers of Findlay, Daughter-In-Law Patricia Sanford of Upper Sandusky, seventeen step-grandchildren, Brian Kiess, Katheryn Snodgrass, Mark Snodgrass, Joshua Balduf, Hannah Thomas, Pace Thomas, Shyla Snodgrass, Callie Snodgrass, Casey Snodgrass, Tanner Snodgrass, Alec Ogg, Ryan Daniels, Kim Lynch, Christopher Lynch, Valerie Lynch, Nicholas Myers and Payton Ogg and eight step great grandchildren.

Mel is also survived by a brother Jim (Barbara) Sanford of St. Petersburg, FL, two nieces, Angela Balam and Cheryl Massie and two nephews, Scott Sanford and David Sanford.

Mel was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce and a son, Dean A. Sanford.

Mel worked for the Upper Sandusky Police Department for 26 years where he served as Chief of Police for the last 14 years. He was a member of the Elks Lodge #83, Amvetts #777, Lions Club, Masonic Warpole Lodge #176 F&AM, McCutchen Chapter #96 RAM, Upper Council #98 RSM, Wyandot County Classics and Cruisers and the Wyandot County Rod and Gun Club all of Upper Sandusky.

For hobbies Mel enjoyed collecting antiques, watching the cooking channel, motor sports of all types and relaxing with a good meal at Bob Evans.

Mel was one of the organizers of the Wyandot County Midget Football League where he coached the first championship team, the Packers.

Funeral services for Melvin C. Sanford will be held at 11:00am on Friday, December 23, 2011 at the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky with Rev. Mary Curtis officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Upper Sandusky.

Visitation will be from 5pm - 8pm on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Wyandot County of the Wyandot County EMS in care of Lucas-Batton Funeral Home 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lucasbatton.com.