Melvin L. Anderson

Melvin L. Anderson, age 101, longtime resident of Northville, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025. He was born on September 18, 1924 in Detroit; son of Earl and Alice (Kraft) Anderson. He graduated from Cass Tech High School in Detroit with the class of 1942. Melvin was united in marriage to Lois (Vincent) Anderson on August 7, 1948; they spent 52 years lovingly devoted to one another until her death on March 29, 2001.

After graduating from high school, Melvin enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served in the Pacific aboard the USS Maryland during World War II. As a member of the Puget Sound Navy Yard Band, he lifted the spirits of his shipmates through music while serving his country with honor. Recently, Melvin was honored to be recognized as the last living World War II veteran in Northville, carrying the legacy of his generation with dignity and pride. In September 2024, the City of Northville celebrated him at Mill Race Village, acknowledging both his centenarian milestone and his service to his country.

Melvin began his journey in the clock business by buying, refurbishing, and selling clocks at antique shows. Guided by a deep love of horology, he and his wife Lois, both licensed horologists, opened Northville Watch and Clock Shop in 1973. Together with their sons, they built a family business that thrived for decades and became a trusted part of the community. Over time, they expanded to two additional locations, and for a period, were the largest retailer of clocks in the state of Michigan. Melvin’s precision, skill, and lifelong passion for timepieces left an enduring mark on the City of Northville. A dedicated member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors for more than 60 years, he was highly respected by his peers and served as president of the NAWCC Chapter 6 in Metro Detroit.

 Melvin was also a proud and longtime member of the Masons, Karnak Lodge #442 in Indian River. He had a love for travel and spent much of his life exploring the country in his motorhomes and travel trailers, always favoring his Airstream. His adventures took him across the United States, including three memorable drives to Alaska, and many trips to Hawaii, one of his favorite destinations. Each winter, he escaped the Michigan cold for three months in the Florida Keys. He also fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to New Zealand and Australia. A passionate fisherman, Melvin enjoyed reeling in Yellowtail Snapper in Florida, casting for rainbow trout up north, and even flying into remote areas of Canada from Alaska for fishing excursions. Above all, he treasured time with his family, especially the holidays they spent together. Melvin will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His family and all who knew him will deeply miss his presence, but his legacy will continue in the many lives he touched.

 Melvin is survived by his loving sons, Norman (Sandy) Anderson, Dan (Cleo) Anderson, and Andy (Becki) Anderson; his grandchildren, Erica Welemirov, Rebecca Vartanian, Dayna Heym, Marshall Anderson, Brooke Anderson, Alex Harper, and Elliott Zundel; his great grandchildren, Daniel, Luca, Layla, Jordan, Sarah, Maddie, Drew, Elizabeth, and Nicholas; and 1 great great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his brother George, and his sister Lois.

Memorial Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon with a Memorial Service beginning at Noon at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. Mr. Anderson will be laid to rest with his wife at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

 In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, 514 Poplar Street, Columbia, PA 17512.