Melvin was born on December 26, 1942, in Perris, CA. He was the oldest of four children and grew up in Santa Cruz, CA. He joined the Air Force in October of 1964 and served four years. While stationed at Travis AFB he met the love of his life Patty and they were married November 10, 1967, until her passing December 1, 1999. Just months after they married Melvin was deployed to Vietnam and was at Tan Son Nhut Air Base during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Upon returning home Melvin was honorably discharged from the Air Force and shortly after joined the Vacaville Police Department. Melvin would serve 29 years as a Police Officer before retiring in 1997. He then worked another 10 years with Vacaville Police Department as Reserve/Extra Help.
Melvin loved to take his family on camping trips to Casini Ranch Campground their favorite spot on the Russian River. Melvin served as Youth Football President, coached many Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball teams. (He also was quite the softball player always putting on a clinic with how he could hit the ball wherever the defense wasn’t.) Melvin truly worked to live as his family time was always a priority. Melvin loved being Papa to his grandkids and great grandchild. Melvin looked forward to his Monday mornings at Panera Bread with his fellow retired officers. Later in life Melvin would meet his ”buddy” and companion Dee Morgan. Breakfasts, road trips and fun at Cache Creek were aplenty with these two. This friendship would continue until Melvin’s unexpected passing.
Melvin is survived by his children Tori and Frank, daughter-in-law Carol, his grandchildren Mike (Kirsten), Mark, Leanna, Patrick and Great Granddaughter Marisah; sisters Joanna (Jimmie) and Donna and he was preceded in death by his brother Al and son-in-law Michael.
A memorial service will be held on October 12th at 11 a.m. at the McCune Garden Chapel in Vacaville, CA and reception immediately following at the Opera House. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Vacaville PAL by calling 707-449-1859 or Mailing donation to: Vacaville PAL 660 Merchant St. Vacaville, CA 95688
