Melvin L. ERWAY, 87, of Ulysses, PA, died Thursday, October 22, 2026, in his home.  Born July 13, 1939, Canton, PA, he was the son of L. Clifton and Mary E. Gearhart Erway.On May 20, 1961, in Chardon, OH, he married Virginia Kay Torok, who survives.  

Melvin started out with his first calf as a 4H project.  Over the following years as his projects grew so did the herd.  Upon graduating from Northern Potter High School in 1957, he and his father formed a partnership, MelClif Farm.  There had not been any outside animals added to this herd in over 40 years.  The registered black and white as well as the registered red and white Holsteins showed their quality by winning six Premiere Breeder and three Premiere Exhibitor awards.  Melvin and Kay continued to operate the farm and formed a partnership with their younger son, Dean. 

In addition to farming, Melvin was a top maple producer over the years, winning numerous local and state awards.  He was the first person to win the American Farmer Degree in Potter County.  He also won the Service to Agriculture Award and was the 1966 winner of PA Grassland Club Award.  In 2003, the Holstein Association honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Dairy Industry.  Some of his contributions to agricultural services have been serving as state secretary of FFA, executive secretary-treasurer of the Potter-Tioga Maple Producers Association, chairman and vice chairman of the Cooperative Extension Executive Committee, director of the Potter County Conservation District, and on the board of NEBA (Northeastern Breeders Association).  He also served as a director of Ulysses Agway, Gold Grange, Northern Potter School Board, and was an auditor for Ulysses Township.  Melvin was a member of Bible Union Church in West Bingham.  

Surviving besides his wife, Kay, are: two children, Kim Weber of Warrenton, VA and Dean (Jackie) Erway of Ulysses; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Erway Page-Harmon of Bainbridge, NY; a brother, Gordon (Marylou) Erway of Gold; nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by son, Kavin M. Erway; three brothers, Lawrence C. Erway, Wayne S. Erway, and Gary O. Erway; and a sister, Carol Erway.  

Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 2:00 PM.  Rev. David K. Ford will officiate.  Burial will be in Raymond Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Northern Potter School District, 745 Northern Potter Road, Ulysses, PA 16948—memo line: Headwaters FFA.  

Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.