Melvin P. "Mel" Solomon

Confident in Jesus's promise of a place for him in Paradise, and excited about the joyful reunion that awaited him, Melvin Paul Solomon, age 89, peacefully passed from his earthly home to his home in Heaven on Thursday, February 2, 2023 exactly the way he wanted. The son of the late Glen and Sophie (Podleski) Solomon, Mel was born in Maple Ridge, Michigan on July 15, 1933.  December of his senior year at Bay City Central, Mel was called to the school office with a few classmates where he was given his diploma in one hand and a draft notice in the other, sending him to serve the United States Army in Korea.  Mel was a mechanic in the Tank Battalion in Korea where he worked in an armored division servicing all types of military equipment.  While home on leave, Shirley Mae Young, Mel's high school sweetheart, suggested the two should get married, and on December 30, 1954, Mel gladly obliged.  The two were blessed with 63 years of marriage and Mel proved himself to be the kind of husband every girl dreams about.  He was a wonderful husband, father, and provider for his family.  His loving devotion to Shirley was apparent in all he did in life, especially as her health declined when he would visit her twice every single day for years to feed her lunch and supper before she passed away on March 18, 2018.  Mel set an example his family and grandchildren admire and aspire to emulate.
Mel and Shirley were proud parents of their beloved daughter, Sheri Lynn Bublitz.  Very sadly, Sheri passed away in 1987. Thanks be to God, however, we can imagine the joyful, glorious reunion that took place early Thursday morning when daddy, daughter, and his beloved wife were all reunited.
Mel was deeply loved by his dedicated biological grandson David Bublitz and David's wife Katie, son-in-law Kevin Bublitz and his wife Kimberly, and their children who were blessed to call Mel Grandpa:  Daniel (Lyndsey) Bublitz, Janelle Bublitz (Isaac Parks), and Julia (Derek) Sharrard, and two great-grandchildren Leeah Dahn and Lincoln Pennell.  Also surviving Mel are his siblings, Jack (Carol) Solomon, and Bonnie (Bill) Flathau, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Along with his parents, wife, and daughter, Mel was preceded in death by his brothers and sister-in-laws Jimmy and Merrily Solomon, and Glen and Nancy Solomon.
Mel was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fishing and hunting with family and friends.  He especially loved spending time in the Garden Peninsula in the U.P.  He was a smooth talker and a gentle giant with a wonderful sense of humor and was never afraid to tell you 'how it is.' For decades, Mel, a talented painter and mechanic, was the owner of Mel's Union 76 Gas and Service Station that was on the corner of Henry and Florence Streets on Bay City's west side.  He was a mentor to many young men whom he hired and trained through his gas station and treated as if they were his own sons.  He was a generous and kindhearted businessman who would pump gas for people he knew would never be able to pay him, and also for people who paid for gas with fish or venison.  Mel loved drinking coffee and the friendships, BS, and hearty chuckles that were shared over toasty warm cups at Texan, then Big Boy, on Euclid, and more recently Crossroads, with many of his friends.  He truly was one of kind, and will be missed dearly by all who love him!
The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the nurses, caregivers, and staff of the A&D Waiver program and In Your Golden Years Home Health Care, especially Mel's long-time home health aide, Melissa Curtis, for the wonderful care that Mel received in his home.  We will forever be grateful for your kindness, compassion, friendship, and the extraordinary care you gave to Mel.  Thank you!
A memorial service will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at  Gephart Funeral Home, Inc.  Officiating will be the Rev. Dan Stonebeck.  Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Sunday from 2 p.m. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial cards for family wishes will be available at the funeral home.