Melvin L. Grubb

Melvin Lindsey Grubb. 93. "Flew His Last Flight" on Wednesday , February 14, 2018. Melvin was born January 4, 1925, in Bluefield, WV to Everett K. and Janie Lindsey Grubb. Much like his parents. he never knew a stranger, and had a smiie and warm ;;h::0" f01 everyone he met. He freely shared his photographs and helped all that he could. He grew up attending First Christian Church where he was baptized into Christ and continued his Christian life at Westminster Presbv. terian Church after his marriaa- e to June Deaumer Grubb in 1948. Melvin grew up in the "East End" on Bluefield Avenue, Bluefield, WV, graduated from Beaver High School in 1943 and was immediately drafted into the Army . He served in the 213th Field Artillery Battalion 40th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theatre and served in Korea after the end of WWII. He was proud of his service and enjoyed sharing his war stories. Returning home, he attended Southwest Photo Arts Institute in Dallas, TX on the GI Bill. He then joined the Bluefield Daily Telegraph and the Sunset News Observer newspapers as a photographer. It was there that he met the love of his life, June Deaumer Grubb. They were happily married for 58 years. In 1949, Melvin established Grubb Photo Service, documenting the life and times of the region for more than 70 years. His images range from underground coal mining to aerial photos and everything in between. He earned many national and state awards for his photographs, including the legendary "Fog over East River Mountain" image that hangs in homes and businesses literally around the world. Mel sold the business to his long time assistant and friend, David McNeil, in 2005 and then established Grubb Aerial Photography. Aviation was Melvin's other passion. He rebuilt and flew two J-3 Cubs and then stepped up to his much beloved Super Cubs which he continued to use for photography and to teach his young son, Mark, to fly. Many people of all ages received their first airplane rides with Melvin. Melvin is survived by his son Mark D. Grubb and wife Kristie of Tehachapi, CA, Lindsey Grubb Barilla and husband Bruce of Bluefield, WV, many nieces and nephews and his much loved feline "kids", Tegan and Tory. In addition to his parents, Melvin was preceded in death · by his wife June Deaumer Grubb, his elder brother, Lowell and his twin brother, Marvin. The family would like to express their deepest thanks and appreciation to some very special people who provided aid and comfort during Melvin's final days: Jessica Terry, NP, Dr. Michael Crews, Dr. Thomas Miller and his staff at Bluefield Regional Medical Center and Sarah, Judy and the Compassus team. The family would also like to thank all that loved him! He was our "Stuperman" as he called himself with a grin. Always trying to avoid the limelight, Melvin's specified that his mortal remains be cremated and that there be no service. If you desire to honor Melvin, please donate to the church or organization of your choosing and more importantly. befriend those you meet in life. _just as he did.

Melvin L. Grubb

January 4, 1925 - February 14, 2018