Melvin Roland Jackson

Melvin Roland Jackson, also known as Mel or Sonny, age 76, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 4, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born in Lansing, MI on October 5, 1947 to Melvin and Velma Jackson.

Mel married Dana Dunn on February 8, 1969 in Lansing, MI. He would go on to live a life that would glorify the Lord as a pastor and song leader of Faith Tabernacle of Lansing. He was a lover of music – particularly gospel and oldies. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, boating and camping – all while in the presence of his family.

Known by many for his hard work, Mel worked at General Motors for 40 years and ran a small engine business called Mel’s Small Engine Repair.

Mel is survived by his wife of 55 years: Dana Jackson; children: Ronnie (Jessica) Jackson and Angela (Britt) Bass; grandchildren: Ben Jackson, Alyssa (Dylan) Jackson, Taylor (Austin) Reutter, McKenzie Bass, Trenton (Hannah) Jackson, Nicholas Bass and Ethan Jackson; great granddaughter: Grace Ann Reutter; sisters: Karen (Mike) Delamater, Charlene (Tom) Brady and Joyce Sherwood; Aunt Shirley Kelley; brother-in-law John Dunn; sister-in-law Lisa Davis; brother-in-law Russ Davis; sister-in-law Karen (Bill) Cuff; brothers-in-law: Mark Simon and Lance Simon; and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Melvin Coolidge Jackson and Velma Ruth Jackson (Florer); Aunt Helen Ehret; mother-in-law Frances Dunn; fathers-in-law: Tom Dunn and Si Simon; sisters-in-law: Chick Dunn and Carolyn Hastings; and brother-in-law Jim Hastings; nieces: Amy Jo Dunn and Julie Marie Hastings.

A funeral service for Mel will be held Friday, October 11, 2024 at 11:00am with a visitation one hour prior at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912. Interment to follow at East Lawn Memory Gardens.