Gilford, N.H.-----Melvin A. Rand, 82, of 895 Cherry Valley Road, and formerly of 7 Horton Street, Saugus, Mass., died at his home on Monday, October 21, 2013.
Mr. Rand was born September 8, 1931 in Saugus, Mass., the son of the late Roger E. and Florence H. (Wilson) Rand.
Mr. Rand served in the U. S. Army with the 7th Infantry Division during the Korean War with four major battles and one spearhead. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany during the “Berlin Crisis” (6th Infantry) and performed two tours of duty in Vietnam as 1st Sergeants of 1st “D” Co. 2/5 Cav. 1st Cav. Division 2nd “A” Co., 1/505, 82nd Airborne. He was the recipient of two Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Hearts, 1st and 2nd award of Combat/Infantryman’s Badge and numerous citations, awards and decorations.
Mr. Rand was a life member of the Military Order of Purple Heart, Life member of the Disabled American Veterans, a Life Member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the American Legion Wilkins Smith Post 1 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #15030. He was an Honorary Past Master of the Mt. Lebanon Lodge #32 F&AM of Laconia.
Survivors include his wife, Helen E. Rand, of Gilford; a son, Robert R. Rand, of Gilford; five daughters, Susan Joyce of Methuen, Mass., Linda Bouchard of Franklin , Sandra Wentzell of Tewksbury, Mass, Sheila Tyus of Prince George, Virginia and Gayle Epps of Colonial Heights, Virginia; ten grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Rand was predeceased by his two brothers, Donald C. Rand and Roger E. Rand, a son, Gordon S. Rand, a grandson, David Currier, and a granddaughter, Stephanie Burch.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2013 from 4:00-7:00PM in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 10:00AM also at the Funeral Home.
Committal Service, with Military Honors, will follow at 2:30PM at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, N.H.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen Street, Second Floor, Framingham, MA 01701 or to the Disabled American Veterans, 399 Silver St, Manchester, NH 03103.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.