Gene Mellert, 77, of Dunbar, departed this life on Friday, February 8, 2008 at his home after a long battle with lung cancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubbard K. "Pop" and Stella Mae Mellert; brothers, Bob, Kenny, and Donnie; sisters, Kathy Wilkes, Vivian Robinson.

He was a member of Dunbar Mountain Mission. He retired from Sheet Metal Workers Union Local #33. He served his country in the US Marines during the Korean Conflict.

Gene is survived by his wife Patty; son, the Rev. Billy Lucas; granddaughter, Bethany Slawter and her husband, Wally; grandson, Adam Lucas; great granddaughter, Macee Nicole Slawter; brothers, Hub, Jr. of Ripley, Teet of Tampa, FL, Bill "Sonny" of Charleston.

The family would like to thank the nurses and aides on the South wing nurses station at Hubbard Hospice House.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, February 11, at Dunbar Mountain Mission, with the Rev. Ron Fisher and the Rev. Jim Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Park.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, February 10, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Kennawa Drive, Charleston, WV 25311.