Melvin Patrick Walczak, 68, of Columbia, died Tuesday, May 29, 2018 after a courageous battle with mesothelioma. Born on June 3, 1949, in Ludlow, Massachusetts, he was a son of the late Stanley J. Walczak, Sr. and Frances M. Piesyk Walczak.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lonie Vieira Walczak; his son, Patrick Walczak; daughter, Lara Glenn; grandchildren, Emani, Elani, Emanuel, and Emerson Glenn; five siblings: Stanley J. Walczak, Jr. of West Springfield, MA; Joan Lynch and her husband Jack of Simsbury, CT; Gene Walczak of Chicopee, MA; Marsha Sawyer of Ogdensburg, NY; and Francis Walczak and his wife Grace of South Hadley, MA. He is also survived by dozens of nieces and nephews; and the many young adults whose lives he touched throughout the years. He was predeceased by a brother, Dr. Joseph Walczak.

Mel served his country for over 20 years. First, in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Milwaukee (AOR-2) which was decommissioned in 1994; and later in the Air Force serving in locations around the world, including Italy and the Philippines. Following his retirement from the military, he worked for many years at the Richland County School District, having settled his family in Columbia, SC. He was active in youth sports and enjoyed a lifelong love for baseball, soccer and hockey along with his brothers.

Mel will be missed by the many people whose lives were touched by his kindness and love. If someone needed help, Mel was the first to offer his assistance - traveling the distance or finding a way to make positive things happen. He enjoyed playing golf; going to the casino with his mother and siblings; spending time with family and friends at the beach looking for shells and shark teeth; cruising, especially in Alaska; watching the NY Yankees and the NY Rangers hockey games; and walking his faithful dog, Wally.

The service for Mr. Walczak will be held 2 o'clock, Saturday, June 2nd, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1 o'clock. A committal service with military honors will be held at 10:00 o'clock, Monday, June 4th in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 641 S. Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 or by visiting www.curemeso.org .