Melvin Lawrence Ashbrook Jr.

Mel was born on July 25, 1945, in Wheeling, WV. He married the love of his life, Debra Patterson on February 16, 1968, in Wheeling.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Lawrence Ashbrook, Sr. and Elizabeth Davidson Mushet. Mel was also preceded in death by his brother Harry Alexander Ashbrook.

Surviving Mel are his wife of 57 years, Debra; daughters Heather Pennington (Ryan) of Cross Lanes and Heidi Edwards (Steve) of Dunbar; grandchildren, David Lester, Haley Edwards (Cody), Jarrett Edwards and Alyson Pennington; and four great-grandchildren, Lola, Myla, John, Henley, and a fifth great-grandchild on the way. Also, a special granddaughter in love, Tara Lester.

Mel retired from the State of West Virginia, Aviation Division, where he was a pilot for 32 years and retired as a Senior Pilot. He flew Governors Moore, Rockefeller, Caperton & Wise. In 1974, Mel was awarded the Carnegie Medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission for his extraordinary heroism in rescuing passengers from a burning aircraft at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport. He received the Most Distinguished West Virginian Award by then Governor Bob Wise, upon his retirement in 2001. Mel loved Jesus, cherished spending time with his family, NASCAR and woodworking. Mel couldn’t have been a more positive role model for his entire family, and especially to his sons-in-law & grandsons. He was a member of Cross Lanes Baptist Church.

Family would like to thank the staff at Vandalia Health-CAMC General 6 South and Hubbard Hospice House for their care of Mel.

Celebration of Mel’s life will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Tyler Mt. Funeral Home with Pastor Seth Polk officiating.

Gathering of family and friends will be from noon until time of service at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.tylermountainfuneralhome.com