Melburne D. Soles, 105, of St. Louis, Mo., died Tuesday evening, March 25, 2025 at Mary, Queen and Mother Center in St. Louis.
He was born May 15, 1919, in Windsor, Mo., the son of Melburne Roy Soles and Anna Belle (Robinson) Soles. On November 23, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he married Grace Mildred Lovelidge and she preceded him in death on January 30, 2013.
Melburne attended Prairie View Schools. He was drafted into the United States Army on December 5, 1941, just 2 days prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He attended Coastal Artillery Basic Training at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. Mel served his country honorably during World War II, and was deployed for 27 months in the Pacific Theater as an artillery unit supervisor. While stationed in Philadelphia, he met his wife Grace. After his military discharge, Melburne obtained a mechanic journeyman degree, specializing in tool and die making. He worked for Busch Sulzer Diesel and Ferguson Machine Co. before retiring in 1985. He was a member of the Machinist Union.
In his retirement, Mel was an active member at Oak Hill Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, where he served as an elder and deacon. A gifted mechanic, he found joy in helping with many church maintenance projects over the years.
Survivors include a son, Richard Melburne Soles (Donna), St. Louis County, Mo.; a sister, Naomi Carter, Sedalia, Mo.; a sister-in-law, Della Soles; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to his wife Grace, he was preceded in death by his parents; a son, David Alfred Soles; 5 brothers, Wayne M. Soles in infancy, Bailey Soles and his wife Dollie, Charles Soles, Billy Soles and his wife Hattie, and Eugene Soles; and 2 sisters, Mardellya Anders and her husband Leslie, and Nellie Belle Owens and her husband Bill.
Funeral services were 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 31, 2025 at the Hadley Funeral Home, Windsor, with Pastor Regina Hix officiating. Burial was in the Laurel Oak Cemetery, Windsor. The family received friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., prior to the service. The family suggests contributions to the Oak Hill Presbyterian Church 130th Anniversary Fund (checks payable to Oak Hill Presbyterian Church) in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.hadleyfuneralhome.com.
