Melbourne P. VanNest, 89, of Towson, Maryland formerly of Westminster, Maryland, died on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Gilchrist Hospice in Towson.

Born August 30, 1928 in Princeton, New Jersey, he was the son of the late C. Morris and Eva (Perrine) VanNest.  He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Phyllis Ann (Nielsen) VanNest in 2016.

Mel grew up and was educated in New Jersey.  He graduated with a Bachelors in Education from the College of NJ, formerly Trenton State College, and a Masters in Education from NYU.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, reaching the rank of Lieutenant JG, and served a total of 9 years, first on the US Rolette AKA 99 during the Korean War and later in the Naval Reserves.  He was an industrial arts educator in NJ, first in the public schools and later as an associate professor at Kean College in Union, NJ.  Upon his retirement he and his wife lived in Harwich, MA.  Mel was a trumpet player and joined many amateur bands including the Chatham Town and Harwich Town bands, Moonlighter jazz band and upon moving to MD, the “Never Too Late” band at Carroll Lutheran Village.  He enjoyed singing in church choirs, gardening, and mostly spending time with his wife and family.  He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and over his lifetime wherever he lived was involved in the local church.  At the time of his death he was a member of Brewster Baptist Church in MA.

Surviving are children, Judith Wilson and husband Charles of Portersville, PA, Nancy Forrest and husband David of Manassas, VA, David VanNest and wife Vickie of Richmond, VA, and Virginia Simms and husband John of Towson, MD; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, David Nielsen and wife Ruth of Wayne, NJ; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three sisters, one brother, one grandchild and by two great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. in Krug Chapel at Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster with Rev. Jimmie L. Schwartz officiating.  Private burial will be held in the Princeton Cemetery in Princeton, NJ at a later date. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME in Westminster, MD.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Resident Assistance Fund or to the Never Too Late Band, both at Carroll Lutheran Village, 300 St. Luke Circle, Westminster, MD 21158. 

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