with his loving family.
Melvin (Mel) Lykes, son of Harry Lykes and Ada (DeVoe) Kopystecky, was born on June 4, 1927 in
Perth Amboy, NJ and attended St. Mary’s Grammar School and High School. At 17 years old, he
enlisted in the US Navy as part of the United States Naval Construction Battalion, aka The Navy
Seabees, serving during WWII from 1944 - 1952, honorably discharged.
Melvin was united in Holy Matrimony to Helen Moken, 67 years ago, on February 14, 1953 at St.
Stephens Catholic Church and made Woodbridge, NJ their home until moving to Florida in 1992.
During his career, Melvin was a member of the Lathers Union and later the Carpenters Union
Local#65. He became a leader and mentor to many as a foreman at T.J. McGlone and Co., Edison, NJ
for over 25 years, from which he retired.
Melvin demonstrated his heart for service to others as a 3rd and 4th Degree Knight with the Prince of
Peace Assembly# 2533 Knights of Columbus in Hillsborough County, FL. He also served his Sun City
Center community as a lector and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, also at Prince of
Peace Catholic Church as well as being a member of the Catholic War Veterans. Melvin lived his
righteous and honorable life, devoted to God, family and country.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, John Kopystecky; brothers, Harry and
Royal Lykes; and daughter, Madeleine Kurtiak. He is survived by his wife, Helen; sister, Margaret
Cerach; son, Kevin Lykes; daughters, Maria Sodemann and Pamela LeBuffe; grandchildren, Kyle
Lykes, Robyn LeBuffe Cutlip and Adam LeBuffe; great-granddaughter, Emerson Lykes. Melvin left a
legacy of courage, determination, integrity and unconditional love, blessing his family and all who
knew him, with a roadmap and desire to be a better person. Visitation will be held at Groover Funeral Home on Thursday June 25, 2020 from 9AM-10AM, following a Mass of Christian Burial at St Francis Cabrini X Church at 11 AM in Parrish, FL. The committal service will take place at Sarasota National Cemetery at 1:30PM with military honors. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to:
Disabled American Veterans
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