Melvin Byrdlon

affectionately known as: "Dad, Daddy, Ralph, Bubba, PaPa, Grandpa, Trouble, Cool, Pops and My Handsome," went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.

Melvin was born on January 4, 1931 and was the third of 11 children born to John Henry and Estelle Byrdlon in Galveston, TX. He attended public school in West Columbia and Galveston, TX.

On January 22, 1952 Melvin was inducted into the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country. BUT, before leaving, he met the love of his life.

While in service he was awarded the Army Medal of Occupation and Medal for Marksmanship with the Carbine and the Bazooka. He was also given a certificate for safe driving while serving with the 108th Field Artillery Battalion in Goeppingen, Germany. He was honorably discharged on December 23, 1953. Upon returning home he continued his education and was a graduate of Central High School. Now the love of his life mentioned earlier was Malissa Stroman whom he married and had three beautiful children; Otis Thomas, Rose Marie and Carolyn Patrice. He went on to work at UTMB Galveston formerly known as John Sealy Hospital, and the Cotton Compress in Galveston. After moving his family to the Mainland he was employed by the La Marque School District for 19 years and at Amoco for ten years.

At an early age Melvin united with the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Galveston, TX. He was also a member of the Gethsemane Baptist Church (choir member and Sunday School teacher), and Market Street Baptist Church in Galveston (treasurer, choir member and Sunday School teacher), all under the leadership of his brother Rev./Dr. H. J. Johnson and Rev. James B. Thomas. He joined Fellowship Baptist Church with his family under the leadership of Rev./Dr. George W. Singleton, Jr. At the time of his death he was a faithful member of Fellowship Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, a teacher for the Brotherhood, a member of the Male Chorus, Senior Choir, Vacation Bible School teacher, Sunday School teacher, was over the New Membership orientation and a member of the Lincoln Southern District Association where he'd given several talks all under the leadership of Rev. Singleton and Rev. Dwayne K. Carpenter, Sr. While under Rev. Carpenter's leadership he served as Deacon, a Brotherhood teacher, Sunday school teacher, was member of the Male Chorus, and a liaison on the New Membership Orientation committee. He was faithful until his health failed.

Melvin was a member of the Mainland Interdenominational Male Chorus singing all over

the county resulting in one album being made. He was also a member of the Southwest Central District Extraordinaire under the direction of Sis. Inez Humphrey. He received certificates as a Galveston County Gospel Grammy Nominee (1986); Scenes from the Life of Christ Musical Drama, Rev. Byron Williams (1989); Office of Deacon, Rev. G.W. Singleton, Jr., (1990); Senior Choir, Rev. G.W. Singleton/Cloteal Cleveland (1990); Father of the Year, Rev. G.W. Singleton (1992); Youth Workshop, Rev. G.W. Singleton/Ann Caldwell (1992); Senior Citizen's Day, Rev. G. W. Singleton, Jr../Deacon V.H. Haynes; Galveston County Sacred Music Hall of Fame, John H. Humphrey (1993); Bordelon Family Reunion Participate (1995); and Melvin ByrdIon Day Proclamation (Galveston County), Commissioner Steven Homes/Michelle Watson (2021). He was also an "Unsung Hero."

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Malissa ByrdIon; parents, John Henry and Estelle ByrdIon, brothers, Frank Darrell ByrdIon, Willie Burns Johnson, Rev. H. J. Johnson, RouseIle Johnson, Clarence McDonald Johnson and Benjamin Diggs; sisters, Alice Byrdlon Patterson, Freddie Lee Hatter, and Joyzelle Bell.

He leaves cherished memories with his devoted children: Otis (Joann) Byrdlon (Galveston, TX); Rose (Michael) Griggs and Carolyn Byrdlon (Texas City, TX); grandchildren, D'wana Fox, Brandie Nichol Byrdlon, Marcus Wayne Griggs and Gabriel Tovar, Jr. ; great-grandchildren, Robert (Tiffiny) Thomas and Micah Fox. Two great-great-grandchildren Amir and Amani Thomas; devoted, sister Vinnell (James) Brisco (Houston, TX), sisters in-law, Janie James (Galveston, TX) and Elnora Johnson (Dallas, TX); devoted nieces, Linda (Richard) Simpson (Savannah, GA), Jessie Miller (Missouri City, TX), Candy Wade (Dallas, TX), Michelle Thomas (Dallas, TX), Jacqueline Renee' Collins (Houston, TX) , Winifred Bell (Webster, TX) and Helena Bradford (Dallas, TX); nieces who loved him dearly; Alice Faye James (Galveston, TX), Frances Cowan (Galveston, TX) and Juanita Richardson (Galveston, TX); devoted nephews, Shawn Brown ( Needville, TX); K. Andre Bell (Texas City, TX), Matthew Bell (Webster, TX); Mitchell Hatter (Stafford, TX); Michael Hatter (Gray, LA) Frederick Hatter (Baton Rouge, LA) and Roderick Collins (Virginia). A very special cousin: Walter Robinson (Brazoria, TX); a devoted friend: Rev. Lawrence Carter; adopted daughters, Leah Fanuiel (Texas City, TX) and Sherry Henry (Houston,TX), anda host of nieces, nephews, friends and The Fellowship Baptist Church Family.

Homegoing celebration services will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Fellowship MBC, 312 S Rose St. Texas City 77591. Visitation service will begin at 9:00 am followed by the funeral service starting at 11:00am. He will be laid to rest following the services at Rising Star Cemetery.