Melvin Lee Hartfield Sr.

He was born on August 6, 1950, in Clinton, Oklahoma, to Marvin and Emma J. Hartfield. Growing up in Oklahoma, Sonny was full of energy and passion—especially on the basketball court during his high school years. That same drive stayed with him throughout his life.

Sonny was a hardworking man who never shied away from a day’s work. He drove trucks for Coors, worked at Wonder Bread and Kansas Beef, contributed to construction projects, and took on jobs as an independent contractor. He also served as a sanitation worker for M.C. trash service, always doing what needed to be done.

Though not a regular churchgoer, Sonny carried his faith quietly and deeply. He believed in God and lived his values through kindness, humbleness, and love. He found peace in nature and joy in the simple things—camping, fishing, boating, gardening, and building with his hands.

Above all, Sonny was a family man. He loved deeply and showed up for the people he cared about. His family always knew they mattered.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings, Bessie Lee Hartfield, Kenneth Hartfield, and Rever May Sanders; uncle, W.T Barber; and his stepdaughter, Lakisha M. Reed.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Rita Hartfield; children: J. Michael (Allisa) Wright, Robert Price, Melvin (Evony) Hartfield Jr., Melvina Hartfield, Tiffany Mason, Tanisha Tremble, and Tianna Tremble; 28 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; siblings: Otis Lee Hartfield, Linda (Seymore) Shaw, Donna (Ricky) Bryant, and Vera (Derreck) Andrews; aunt, Myrtle (Johnny) Depp; uncle, Jerry Hartfield; cousin, who was more of a brother, Bobby Hartfield; goddaughter, Niya Ramey; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.