Ralph E. Melson of Greenwood went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Ralph was born in Lewes on Dec. 26, 1950, and raised in Millville, the youngest son of the late Edward James Melson and the late Nellie Mae (Steele) Melson. He was a proud graduate of Lord Baltimore High School, class of 1968, in Ocean View and honorably served his country in the Delaware Army National Guard.
Ralph began his career immediately after high school with DuPont in Seaford and retired from Invista in 2022 after an impressive 54 years of service. During his tenure, he worked as an electrician and retired as a shipping coordinator. A devoted man of faith, Ralph was an active member and elder at Denton Wayside Church for many years.
Gifted musically, Ralph loved collecting and playing guitar with his brother Mike, and he enjoyed sharing his talent through music and song in church. He cherished traveling with his beloved wife, Barbara, making annual trips to Niagara Falls and visiting Pigeon Forge, TN, with family. Ralph will be fondly remembered for his steadfast faith, his generous heart, his good sense of humor and his deep love and devotion to his family.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean (Morgan) Melson, in 2023, and his brother, Harvey Melson.
He is survived by his second wife, Christina (Muti Nuel) Melson of Malaysia; three children: Mark D. Melson and his wife, Karen, of Seaford; Tanya McClain and her husband, Scott, of Seaford; and Rhonda Kaye Melson of Delmar. Ralph was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren: Stacie Fowler (Ricky), Brianna Coddington (John), Kristin McClain (Chris), Trey Messick, Alyssa J. Messick, Mark D. Melson, Jr., Madison McClain, and Destiny Cramer (Dylan); and six great-grandchildren: Emberly Fowler, Dallas Fowler, Macie Grace Coddington, Paisley Rae Coddington, John Lincoln Coddington, and Anastasia Cramer. He is also survived by his brothers, Michael Melson of Clarksville, DE, and Ward Melson of Seaford.
Ralph’s extended family in Malaysia includes two stepchildren, Mimi Kuchetes and Francis Kuchetes; six step-grandchildren, Samuel, Emanuel, Joanna Lily, Elon, Jevelina Alin, and Anna; as well as his devoted caregivers and close friends, Ralph and Sandy Dixon.
A viewing was held on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services in Frankford. Interment followed at St. George’s Cemetery in Clarksville.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.