Lewisburg, PA - Melvin (Mel) L. Rakerd, Jr., 81, of Lewisburg, passed away on February 12, 2026.

He was born April 3, 1944 in Sunbury, a son of the late Melvin L. Rakerd, Sr. and Betty (Haupt) Rakerd. Mel and the former Kathy Heim were married June 7, 1964 in Northumberland.

He loved God, his family and his Country. He was a 1962 graduate of Sunbury High School and a veteran of the United States Air Force.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a daughter, Meladye (Bill) Reese, of the Poconos; and a son, Matt Rakerd, of York; as well as three grandsons, Dylan Robbins and Tyler Rakerd, of Pittsburgh and Derek Rakerd, of York. Also surviving are a sister, Connie (Mark) Bendle, of Milton and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dave and Pam Heim, of Northumberland and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, are a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dale and Bonnie Heim, of Northumberland.

Mel loved the art of photography and people. He became a professional photographer in 1986 opening Rakerd Studios in Lewisburg. In 1988 he was named Photographer of the Year for Northeastern Pennsylvania. He had many National Award and Loan Collection prints and in 1993 was awarded his Master of Photography Degree in Nashville, TN by The Professional Photographers of America. Three of his Loan Prints hung at Epcot and were chosen for Traveling Loan Collection, appearing in exhibits around the world. In 1994, he was awarded his Craftsman Degree by the Professional Photographers of America based on his work and teaching of art.

Mel and Kathy developed a heart for the Homeless and worked on the streets for 25 years getting to know them, photographing them and buying them a hot meal. Each year they did Holiday sittings in exchange for used coats and blankets. The final year in business they collected three quarters of a tractor trailer full that was delivered to Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York and Harrisburg Shelters. Mel will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Friends will be received from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at The Narrow Way Church, 175 Bossert Blvd., West Milton, PA where a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. with Pastor Ryan Brosious, officiating. Military honors will be accorded following the service by the American Legion Riders Post 957, New Berlin.