Douglas Melvin

Douglas John “Spike” Melvin, 62, of Erie, passed away on May 14, 2025. Spike was born in Erie on September 28, 1962, to the late James and Lucille (Wolf) Melvin.  

In addition to his parents, Spike was preceded in death by his son, Dustin C. Melvin, brother, Damon P. Melvin and Ex-wife, Patricia Jo (Earl) Wienczkowski.

Spike was a Navy veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War. He was a boiler technician for Penelec following his honorable discharge from the Navy. Afterwards, Spike found his true calling: long-haul truck driving. He did this on and off for several decades, affording him the opportunity to extensively travel the country. When not on the road officially for work, Doug would be on his Harley Davidson instead.

Spike helped to run the family business, the Warsaw Cafe, for several years. Purchased sometime around 1989 by James Melvin, the Warsaw (at the corner of 24th and Ash St.) was a long-standing East Erie staple for wings and beers. The business was eventually sold around 1999, but Doug and the Warsaw itself left a lasting impact on Erie’s eastside community. 

Most people who encountered Spike would remember him for his imposing figure, his myriad of interesting tattoos (many of which were done while in the Navy), and his dark sense of humor. He loved motorcycles, motorcycle culture, traveling the country, the Cleveland Browns, and gatherings with friends and family. His children remember frequent Pig Roasts and other large outdoor get-togethers while growing up, always with dozens or hundreds of motorcycles present.

 Later in life, Spike alternated between staying in Erie during the summers and traveling to Texas for the winters. While in Erie, he would spend time with his children and grandkids in Erie or visit his daughter and grandchildren in Detroit. Doug was truly a unique person. He was rough around the edges with a no-nonsense attitude, but also intelligent, thoughtful, and funny. He cared about those close to him, and he will be dearly missed by his many friends and by his family.

Spike leaves to cherish his memory, two sons, Douglas J. Melvin (Nicki), Zachary A. Melvin (Erika), one daughter, Brandy L. Melvin (Alowi), Two brothers, Daniel E. Melvin and David R. Melvin (Christine), one sister, Karen L. Sisco (Robin), seven grandchildren, Spencer Melvin, Evelynn Melvin, Landon Melvin, Abbas Al-Hachami, Muhammad Al-Hachami, Jasem Al-Hachami, and Fadhil Al-Hachami, Half -Brother, Joshua Melvin, Half-Sister, Jamie Melvin, two cousins, Mary Beth Nagorski and Jimmy Nagorski.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis – Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. 459 East 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16503. Online Condolences may be sent to Davisgarrfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas Melvin, please visit our floral store.