Columbus, New York - COLUMBUS - Melvin W. Fairchild, 84, of Columbus, NY, passed away Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.

Melvin was born Jan. 27, 1937, to Clarence A. and Anna (Maltzen) Fairchild. He spent his childhood in Columbus, attending New Berlin Central School and DCMO BOCES for horticulture. He was a dairy farmer for 35 years, owner and manager for 19 years of Fairkit Farm Greenhouse as well as a 4-H leader for 45 years to the Aunt Pat Brook Club and member of the school board for five years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors.

Melvin married Kathleen S. Kitchen, Aug. 3, 1957, in Vernon Center, who survives him. Also, surviving are his children, Scott (Deborah) Fairchild, Wanda (Timothy) Gracy, Renee Anderson (Brett Schrag), Julia (H. Thomas) Davis, and Andrew Fairchild (Sharon Long); nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Philip (Lois) Fairchild; sisters, June Dalrymple and Betty (Roland) Maracle; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Harry; sister, Mary and brother-in-law, John Dalrymple.

Services will be Saturday, Jan. 8, at Columbus Community Church, 4311 State Highway 80, Sherburne. Calling hours will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. with a funeral to follow.

Burial will take place in the spring in Sunset Hill Cemetery Clinton.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Columbus Community Church, 3908 State Hwy 80, Sherburne, NY 13460.