Melvin James Knapp, BS, MA, PhD, age 84, of Castalia, and son of Jim and Bea Knapp, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024.

He was born February 23, 1940, in Sandusky.  Mel received his BS, and MA degrees from The Ohio State University, and his PhD from Penn State University. He and his young family headed to the University of Georgia where he taught Rural Sociology for 8 years. The longstanding family farm was calling him home and the Knapp family settled in Castalia to continue operating Melamar Farm.  He was always a Devoted Buckeye.

Survived by his wife of 62 years, Connie (Kress) Knapp;  children, Leigh Anne Kerchner (husband Colonel  Scott Kerchner, USMC (Ret)), Lisa Lafollette (husband James Lafollette), Lara Storm (husband, James Storm), and Melanie Knapp; grandchildren,  Captain Trevor Kerchner, USMC,  Captain Travis Kerchner, USMC (wife, Margaret Kerchner), Michael Baden, Emma Lafollette, Grace Lafollette, and Maddie Baden; sisters Martha Burnham and Alice Murphy.

Mel was a lover of knowledge and discussions. He may not have cared about time, but he cared about his family and was an idol to his grandchildren. Known as the doctor of love he passed along his traits of being strong willed and stubborn to all members of his family. He was either in the barn with the sheep and dairy cows or in his chair watching Ohio state athletics.

A celebration of life will be held at The Castalia Lions Club on Thursday, June 13 from 5-7:30 pm. All are welcome to come celebrate in honor of Mel (The Doctor of Love).  Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, Castalia, is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Margaretta FFA and to the OSU Alumni Association.   Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com