Melvin Lee Beckner, age 63, of Buckhannon, WV, died unexpectedly Friday, January 30, 2026, at his home. He was born January 27, 1963, in Buckhannon, a son of Bernice May Taylor of Woodbridge, VA, and the late Charles “Leonard” Beckner.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Deborah Beckner of Buckhannon; his only sister and sibling, Donna Beckner Johnson and husband, Chip of Woodbridge, who were always close to Melvin, speaking on the phone nearly every day; one uncle, Jim & Aunt Sue Beckner, who always considered him a son; three aunts, Connie Canter and Linda Mealey both of Buckhannon and Sherry and Jerry Posey of Painesville, OH; two nieces, Lindsay Carrasco of Suffolk, VA and Nicole Roberts of Fredericksburg, VA; one nephew, Michael Johnson of Norfolk, VA; special first cousin, Tony Durant of Buckhannon; many first and second cousins who all loved him, as well as his truck driver friends; and his beloved four cats, Noah, Chester, Billy, and Lucas, who will also miss him.
Melvin was a mechanic who could fix nearly anything, big or small, but retired as a truck driver. Melvin lived in Alexandria, VA, until 1998 when he moved back to Buckhannon. Melvin loved his Fords, especially his Mustang, and had won some trophies and plaques at car shows. He loved tinkering with anything that had an engine and helped both friends and family over the years.
Friends will be received Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11AM to 1PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1PM at the funeral home. In honoring Mr. Beckner’s wishes, he will be cremated following services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses.
Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
