Melvin was born in Winslow, Arkansas on June 9, 1932, to Marvin and Stella Southern, his twin brother later passed away as an infant. He and his family later moved to Lathrop CA where he lived with his parents until enlisting into the Air Force in 1952.
While stationed in Spokane, WA. he met the love of his life Della, and they were later married on April 2, 1954.
Mel enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting with family and friends. He was also a pitcher for the CLC softball A team. As a member of CLC since 1963, he served as a Sunday school bus driver and mechanic and an usher for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, four sisters, two daughters, a granddaughter and a great granddaughter.
He is survived by his wife Della Southern, son Mel Southern, daughter Diane (Gene) Breckenridge son Richard (Kelly) Southern, twelve grandchildren and many great and great- great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at Frisbie-Warren & Carroll Mortuary, located at 809 North California, Stockton, CA 95202, on December 29, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The funeral service will take place at Christian Life Center, 9025 West Ln, Stockton, CA 95210, on December 30, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The committal service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 14165 Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240, on December 30, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
