Reverend Melvin G. Sponsler, Jr.

The Reverend Melvin G. Sponsler, Jr., 84, of Willow Valley Communities went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 12, 2018. He was the husband of the late Marilyn Derk Sponsler who died in 2008. He is survived by four children; Timothy (Melanie Bryan) Sponsler of Windermere, FL; Tamara (Daniel) Johnson of Mount Joy; Theodore Sponsler of Mountville; Thomas (Sharon Buttemere) Sponsler of Lititz, seven grandchildren: Sarah Ressler of Lancaster; Jenna Kianka of Mountville; Luke Johnson of Lancaster; Mark Johnson of Bainbridge; Andrew Sponsler of Lititz; Jessica Klinger of Sarasota, FL; Jordan Sponsler of Lititz and a great grandson Jackson Kianka. Mel was a graduate of Quincy High School, class of 1951, Lebanon Valley College in 1955 and received his Master of Divinity Degree from United Theological Seminary, Dayton OH, in 1958. As a pastor, Mel served in United Methodist ministry for over 40 years. Throughout his career, he ministered as Student Pastor of Lebanon Valley College, at three rural churches in the Enders Powells Valley; Student Pastor of Clarksburg Christian Church of Clarksburg, OH during seminary; Assistant Pastor of the Manheim United Methodist Church, (UMC), 1955-58; Campbelltown UMC, 1960-73; Trinity UMC, Allentown 1973-82; St. Paul's UMC, Mountville 1982-90 and Mount Hope UMC, Aston 1990-98. In addition to being a pastor, he taught at United Wesleyan College, Allentown; was evangelist and Bible teacher at retreats and Bible conferences; was pastor supervisor for seminary students, and was chairman for the Board of Evangelism of East Pennsylvania Conference. Mel enjoyed spending time with his family and participating in many sports including ping-pong, golf, tennis and pickleball. He also enjoyed photography and computers. Born in Halifax, he was the son of the late Reverend Melvin G. Sr., and Mary G. Minnich Sponsler. He is also survived by a sister Marie (Ned) Clark of Northumberland. A Funeral Service honoring Reverend Sponsler's life will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Glossbrenner United Methodist Church, 713 Church Street, Mount Joy at 11 AM. A viewing will be held from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM. Please Note: The service will begin promptly at 11 AM. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of his family in Camp Hill Cemetery, Mount Joy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Glossbrenner UM Church, 713 Church Street, Mount Joy PA 17552 would be deeply appreciated. Online condolences may be sent through www.sheetzfuneralhome.com Sheetz Funeral Home, Inc. Mount Joy, PA

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Reverend Melvin G. Sponsler, Jr.

February 1, 1934 - February 12, 2018