H. Melvin Upton, a retired machinist at the old Western Electric Co. plant, died of a stroke Sunday at Memorial Hospital in Martinsville, Va. He was 78.

Services for Mr. Upton were being held today at the Roselawn funeral establishment, Ridgeway, Va.

A native of the Brooklyn area of Baltimore, he lived for many years in Dundalk.

He married the former Edith Locklear in 1948.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Edith Elaine Upton of Greenbelt, and a son, James M. Upton of Baltimore.

The family suggests contributions to Ridgeway United Methodist @Church, Ridgeway, Va.