Melvin Francis Stephan

Melvin Francis Stephan, age 83, of Brunswick, Georgia, passed away on November 30, 2025. Born on January 27, 1942, in Chester, Pennsylvania, Pastor Mel lived a life rooted in service, faith, and kindness. He attended Littleton High School in Littleton, Colorado, later transferring to East Denver High School, where he graduated in 1960. That same year he began his studies at Milton College in Milton, Wisconsin, completing two and a half years before proudly joining the United States Army. After his military service, he returned to Milton College, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968 with a major in English and minors in Mathematics and History.

Pastor Mel continued his calling to ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., where he earned his Master of Divinity in 1976. Over the years, he served faithfully in many capacities—pastor, teacher, counselor, driver, and friend—always offering compassion to those around him. He was ordained at the Bell Seventh Day Baptist Church in Salemville, Pennsylvania, where he ministered from 1971 until 1983. He later served as Pastor of Alfred Station Seventh Day Baptist Church from 1983–1990, Pastor of Marlboro Seventh Day Baptist Church from 1991–1995, and as part-time Pastor of Raritan Valley Seventh Day Baptist Church from 2009–2016. His service extended beyond the pulpit as well; Pastor Mel worked as a school bus driver, truck driver, specialized transport driver, and associate truck driver for Penske Logistics from 1998–2008. He also drove for Walt’s Bus Service from 1991–2003 and for Salem County Specialized Transport from 2008–2009.

Pastor Mel was a proud and dedicated member of the American Legion, faithfully serving in various posts for 36 continuous years.

His devotion to faith, community, and country defined his life’s work.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Yvonne Swanson Stephan, who passed in 2013; his second wife, Kay Colello Stephan, who passed in 2021; and his parents, Melvin Edward Stephan and Frances Elizabeth Billingsley Stephan.

He is survived by his two sons, Karl Joseph Stephan and Richard Kirk Stephan; siblings, Donald Lee Stephan, Robert Edward Stephan, Donna Rose Stephan Rogers, and John Michael Stephan; seven grandchildren and five step-grandchildren.

He will be remembered with love for his gentle spirit, steady faith, and unwavering dedication to serving others.

At Pastor Mel’s request, he will be memorialized by cremation.