Melvin Clifford Hinkley

Mel, an only child, was born on November 22, 1934, in Gardiner, Maine to parents Clifford Melvin Hinkley and Beatrice Inez Welch Spaulding. Following his parents' divorce when he was four years old, he encountered difficulties in his relationship with his stepmother. Learning to fend for himself, he quit school at 16 and joined the United States Air Force (USAF) at 17. While stationed at Pinecastle Air Force Base (AFB), Mel met and married the love of his life, Joan Ann Harrington Hinkley, on July 22, 1955, at Broadway Methodist Church in Orlando, Florida. After 70 years of marriage in July 2025, it was clear to all who knew them that their bond was unique and their love remained strong.

He served during the Korean War and later graduated from the Non-Commissioned Officers Leadership School at MacDill AFB, Tampa Florida in December 1967. His specialty was Ophthalmology Surgical Technician, Medic. Mel served two tours as a member of the Pacific Air Forces (1965 stationed in Thailand and 1968 at Cam Ranh Bay AFB, Vietnam). During his years of overseas service, Joan managed the family and Mel communicated frequently with her relying on delayed communications such as reel-to-reel audio tapes, letters and telegrams. Mel retired as Technical Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force in January 1970.

After retiring from the Air Force, Mel settled in Bowie, Maryland for 30 years, where his children graduated high school. He served as a civil servant with U.S. Army Intelligence before advancing to Operations Chief at the Federal Communications Commission, where he remained until his retirement in 1997. Mel was also active in local organizations, including the Civitan Club and Masonic Lodge.

In 1997, he moved to Clearwater, Florida where his passion for woodworking and turning began. He worked for Woodcraft and pursued his interest in making exquisite furniture, pens and works of art with domestic and foreign wood. Mel referred to himself as “Wood Maestro”, and his hobby took him into a small part of a world of his own, where he could get lost in the intricacies and splendor of his craft.

Mel continued his involvement in community organizations and served as Worshipful Master of the Free and Accepted Masons, Clearwater Lodge No. 127 in 2002.

In 2004, Mel moved to Lake Monticello in Palmyra, Virginia. He continued his woodworking and adorned his home with furniture, scrolled artwork, bowls, ornaments, pens, walking sticks, and cutting boards made in his garage woodshop. Mel also enjoyed bird watching, always looking for a new bird feeder or feed to attract new residents for his personal aviary, from his favorite hummingbirds to blue birds, cardinals and more. He and his wife were members of the Cunningham Methodist Church, Palmyra, VA and supporters of the Fluvanna County SPCA, Troy, Virginia.

On October 1, 2025, Mel and Joan relocated to Washington, DC. Shortly after their arrival, Mel experienced a fall while walking their dog, Ollie, resulting in six fractured ribs and subsequent medical complications.

Mel opened his home to both cats and dogs, finding joy in reading, writing poetry, telling jokes, working on Sudoku puzzles, and bringing laughter to those around him. His quick wit frequently caught others off guard and brought them delight.

Mel was a devoted and loving husband, father, and friend who proudly supported his loved ones, always being there for his family, day or night, just a phone call away. He will be remembered for his dry wit, jokes, humor, laughter, woodwork, loyalty, trustworthiness, perseverance, honesty, and the reassuring wink and twinkle in his eye.

Mel is survived by his devoted wife Joan Hinkley of 70 years, son Wade Hinkley (Ruth) of Arnold, Maryland, daughter Amy Neuenschwander (Joe) of Lothian, Maryland, and daughter Susan Fitzgerald (Gary) of Washington DC. His son, Brian Hinkley (Karla) of Waverly Hall, Georgia predeceased him in 2013. Mel also leaves ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and numerous relatives and friends across the country.