Melvin K. "Sam" Shanafelt, 76, of Tyrone went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday at Miners Hospital, Hastings.

He was born February 1, 1938 in Altoona, son of the late Clarence K and Jean E. (Coble) Shanafelt. On July 2, 1960 in Altoona, he married Sandra K. Stouffer.

Surviving are his loving wife of 54 years, a son David K. of Williamsburg, a daughter Candy L. Fisher and husband John of Altoona, 2 grandchildren Sarah Shanafelt of Alexandria, and C.D. Gunnett and wife Shelby of Duncansville, a great-grandson Fin C. Gunnett, a brother Ronald Shanafelt and wife Pam of Warriors Mark, a sister Mary-Lou Calderwood and husband Robert of State College, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son Todd Joseph Shanafelt and a sister Peggy S. Stern.

He was a member of the Grazierville United Methodist Church.

Melvin was a 1956 graduate of Tyrone Area High School. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1962. He retired from U.S. Envelope, Williamsburg as a machine operator.

Sam enjoyed traveling, winters in Florida, trips with the Methodist VIM team, the outdoors, and spending time with his family. As a member of the Bloody Thumbs Carving Club, he was an avid woodcarver spending the majority of his time carving out his own beautiful creations.

Funeral service will be held Monday August 25, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Feller Memorial Home with Reverend Norman E. Huff officiating. Interment will follow at Blair Memorial Park. Friends will be received on Sunday from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M at Feller Memorial Home.

Memorial gifts may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 15120,

Chicago, IL 60693 or to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718,

Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.