Dillon, SC — Lt. Col. USAF (ret) Melvin U. Edens, 78, of Dillon, died August 15, 2015, at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC.
Lt. Col. Edens is survived by his wife, Carolyn, four children:  Joseph Edens, Timothy Edens, Susan Edens Coburn, and Laura Edens Tompkins.  He also leaves behind five grandchildren:  Mackenzie Edens, Sarah Edens, Emily Edens, Austin Edens, and Alexandra Rose Tompkins.
Melvin graduated from Clemson Air Force ROTC and held a distinguished career in the United States Air Force for 25 years.  He served numerous tours of duty overseas including China, Japan, and Alaska.  Flying was his passion and he piloted KC-135 Stratotanker refulers for eighteen years.  He also served as an air operations officer and flight instructor for seven years.  He was decorated with the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Small Arms Expert Markmanship Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal.  He also received the Vietnam Service Medal.  Melvin was a loving father, a loving grandfather, and a loving husband of 59 years.
The family would like to thank all those who prayed, called, visited and helped in any way.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 19th at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel   Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery with military graveside rites.
Visitation hours will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, at Cooper Funeral Home.