Mel graduated from Carlisle High School, the Maryland Insurance School, the University of Tennessee Real Estate and attended New York University. He was the sole proprietor of the Mel Spahr Insurance, Realty and Notary Public in Carlisle Springs for 40 years. In addition, he was a senior certified real estate appraiser having served as an expert witness in over 300 court cases for the Veterans Administration, the US Fish & Game Commission, the State of PA, private industry and individuals. Mel was a former Supervisor of Middlesex Twp. and former Chairman of the Middlesex Twp. Planning & Zoning Board. He authored two books about Middlesex Twp. history: "The Old Country Store on the Miracle Mile" and "Historic Carlisle Springs". He was a member of St. Matthias Evangelical Lutheran Church in Carlisle Springs, where he taught the Young Adult Sunday School class. Mel also enjoyed attending other local churches, especially the LeTort United Methodist Church in Drytown. Married for 66 yrs, Mel & Myrhlle were selected by the Carlisle Sentinel in 1997 as the "Carlisle Area's Finest Parents".

He is survived by one daughter with whom he lived, Treva E. Myers, one son, Donald E. (wife, Joanne) Spahr of Carlisle Springs, one brother, Paul Spahr of Boiling Springs, six grandchildren: Todd and Timothy Myers, Tina Maschino, Tanya Gibler, David Spahr and Michael Spahr, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Mel was predeceased by one sister, Minnie Hull and one son-in-law, Barry Myers.

A viewing will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2015 followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, conducted by Rev. Sarah Heintzelman and Rev. Chris Renner. Interment will be in the LeTort Cemetery, Drytown.  Memorial donations may be made to either of his church affiliations listed above.