Melvin D. Gillis, 71 of Beallsville, PA died Friday January 23, 2015 in U.P.M.C. Shadyside, Pittsburgh.
He was born February 23, 1943 in Centerville Boro., a son of the late Demora L. and Nellie Ammon Gillis.
Mr. Gillis was a 1960 graduate of Beth-Center High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy from Penn State University in 1966.
Mel was a U.S.Army veteran of the Viet Nam War serving from 1967 to 1969 and was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Sgt. For his service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal, and is a 46 year member of the Hancock-McCune-Horne American Legion Post 705, Centerville.
Mr. Gillis retired from the State Liquor Store in California, PA. He previously had a 15 year career in banking working for Gallatin Bank and later First National Banks.
He was an active member of the Beallsville United Methodist Church where he previously served as a Trustee and Treasurer.
At the time of his death, Mr. Gillis was serving as the President of the Beallsville Cemetery Association, a position he has held for many years. He was a former 2 term Councilman for Beallsville Boro. and was one of the founding members of the Beallsville-Centerville-Richeyville Lions Club.
Mr. Gillis was an avid Penn State fan and especially enjoyed Penn State football and basketball. He also enjoyed building jig saw puzzles, crossword puzzles, playing cards and gardening. As a child, Mel collected Baseball Cards and continued to collect them throughout his life. He also collected shot glasses from around the world and has an extensive collection. 
On June 20, 1970 he married Antoinette M. Gontko Gillis, who survives. They celebrated 44 years of marriage.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, Keith M. Gillis (Tawnya) of Carmichaels, PA and Jason B. Gillis (Lita) of Chicago, IL; One granddaughter, Alauria Gillis; Two brothers, Lloyd Gillis (Ruth) of Merrittstown, PA and John E. Gillis (Lisa) of Brownsville, PA; Several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Deceased in addition to his parents is a brother, William Raymond Gillis.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 PM Sunday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM Monday in the John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main St. Beallsville where services will be held Tuesday January 27, 2015 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Max Miller officiating. Interment will follow in the Beallsville Cemetery. Military Rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 705, Centerville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions may be made to the Beallsville United Methodist Church, PO Box 136 Beallsville, PA 15313 or the Beallsville Cemetery Association, PO Box 240 Beallsville, PA 15313.