Melvin Lee Sullens

Melvin Lee Sullens age 97 passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026 at home in Redding CA with family by his side. Melvin was born in Pacific Grove CA on February 16, 1928 and was the only child of Bessie Irene (Lamb) Sullens and Basil Lee Sullens. Melvin was a veteran of the US Army serving in Hanford Washington during the Korean War. It was there that he met the love of his life, Joan (Eckert) Sullens and shared the next 74 years as husband and wife. After marriage in 1952 Mel and Joan began their lives together in Chico CA where they had their two children Michael Lee Sullens (Reno NV) and Terry Lee Sullens (Redding CA). In 1957, the family moved to Redding where Mel began working for Shasta Trinity Oil Company delivering petroleum products throughout the Shasta Trinity County area. In 1968 Mel made a career change first returning to Chico State College where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration graduating Phi Kappa Phi in 1970. During this period Mel was active with the Redding Junior Tennis Club and operated Mel’s Tennis Shop where son’s Mike and Terry helped by stringing tennis rackets. Mel and Joan were active in the tennis community for over 50 years and were early and longstanding members of the old Cascade Racket Club now Sun Oaks, and then Riverview Country Club where son Terry was Tennis Pro. Mel and Joan were also active bicyclists, marathon runners, cross country skiers, and backpackers and pursued these activities well into their senior years. Mel spent the last 16 years of his working career with the Shasta County School District serving as Payroll Supervisor until retirement in 1992. Mel enjoyed a long and active retirement thereafter. He and Joan celebrated their last twelve wedding anniversaries with family at their summer retreat at Lake Almanor CA.

Melvin was preceded in death by half brother Robert Sullens (Fairfield CA) and half sister Barbara (Sullens) Harmon (Merced CA). He is survived by wife Joan, sons Michael and significant other Nancy Potts, Terry and wife Mary (Martin) Sullens, grandchildren Lee Sullens and Ian Sullens (Marysville CA), Nicholas Sullens (Yosemite CA), and Molly (Sullens) Fandel and Great grandson Jack Fandel (Portland OR).

Our family would like to thank Mercy Hospital and Mercy Hospice and their wonderful caregivers who helped support Melvin and his family during the last two months.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity. Charitable organizations need our support now more than ever.