Newcomb, Dr. Melva June 1925-2014

NEWCOMB, DERRICK, HOLCOMB, KUDRON, LEAHY

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/30/2025 at 11:48:48

Dr. Melva June Derrick Newcomb
BIRTH
25 Jul 1925
Memphis, Onondaga County, New York, USA
DEATH
9 Jan 2014 (aged 88)
BURIAL
Resthaven Cemetery
West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA
MEMORIAL ID
189192469 · View Source
MEMORIAL
PHOTOS 2
FLOWERS 0

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Melva June Derrick Newcomb passed away on Thursday January 9, 2014 at the age of 88. Funeral services will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, at Iles-Westover Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 4:30-6 p.m.

Melva was born in the small town of Memphis, New York, the younger daughter of Arthur and Jessie Derrick. She attended Jordan High School and during her senior year, her 21 year old sister Leona Mae, a nursing student, died of tuberculosis. Her death inspired her to attend Syracuse University, to achieve and succeed "for the both of them". Melva graduated in 1952 with her Ph.D. in microbiology. While at Syracuse, she met and married another microbiologist, Dr. Harvey Russell Newcomb. She took some time off to raise their two children, Leona (Lee) and George.

After a job change moved them to Des Moines, Iowa, Melva went back to work as a professor of microbiology at COMS, the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. After years of teaching, she became a student at COMS and at the age of 48 graduated with her medical degree, Doctor of Osteopathy. Melva then embarked upon her second career, practicing medicine in Urbandale for the next twenty years. She and her daughter Dr. Lee Holcomb formed Family Practice Associates and worked together for seven years before she retired.

During her working life and into retirement she had many interests. Melva was an active member in Patricia Park United Brethren Church. She was a model railroad enthusiast and an avid boater. Melva was often seen at Saylorville Lake and Big Creek with her pontoon and sail boat.

After fifty years of marriage, her husband Harvey Russell preceded her in death. Left to cherish her memory: her daughter Lee (Ron) Holcomb and her son George (Karen) Newcomb both of Des Moines; eight grandchildren, John and Alyssa Kudron; Eric and Natalie Holcomb; Alexa, Jeremy, and Reese Newcomb and Linde Leahy; and four great grandchildren, Eli, Jonathan, Joseph and Jace.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center for the wonderful care that Melva received while there. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.

Published in Des Moines Register on Jan. 12, 2014
Family Members

Spouse

Dr. Harvey R. Newcomb
1916–2003 ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register 12 Jan 2014 and Find A Grave.