Melvin Roy Spitler

"Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." — Hebrews 11:1

Melvin “Mel” Roy Spitler, 87, passed away Friday, October 17, 2025

Mel was born the 5th of 7 children to Harry Roy Spitler and Mae Olive (Chrisener) Spitler in Harrisburg PA on March 13th, 1938. Siblings from oldest to youngest: James Harry Spitler, Dorothy Arline Reichert, Mary Elizabeth Cartwright, Marion Elaine Boyer, Melvin Roy Spitler, Francis Mae Sheplar and Donald Lee Spitler.

Mel attended Rutherford Heights grade school 1-7, Central Dauphin High school 8-12.  After high school he attended Drexel University in Philadelphia PA where he attained a degree in mechanical engineering 1961.  After university Mel entered the Army as a combat engineer and was stationed at Fort Lewis from 1961 to 1964. It was during this time that he met his wife Elizabeth Anne (Hunter) Spitler and adopted her 3 children (Pat, Brian and Mike). Mel and Elizabeth had 2 sons (Robert and Jon). They had 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

After leaving the Army in 1964 he went to work for Weyerhaeuser form 64-84. Leaving Weyerhaeuser, he then worked as a private consultant in the wood products industry from 84-05 when he retired.

He lived in Tacoma, WA from 1979 to 2025 while working and raising his family. Mel had a wide range of interests and hobbies including guns, clocks, watches and cameras as well. He is survived by 4 of his 5 children (Brian, Mike, Robert and Jon).

Elizabeth, Mel's wife of 59 years passed away September 9th, 2024.

There was not a single day after she passed that he did not say how much he missed her.

Mel and Elizabeth were long time members of UPPC (University Place Presbyterian Church). They both were very active in the church until their passing.

Mel will be missed.