It is with tremendous sadness and grief that we announce the passing of Melvin Joseph Polk Sr. of Las Vegas, Nevada. On March 2nd, 2021, Melvin passed on to joyfully be in the arms of our God. Born in Mobile, Alabama on June 4th, 1930, Melvin spent most of his life there raising his amazing family.
Melvin's longtime battle with the disease Myasthenia Gravis at the age of 90 showed his courage in facing life's challenges with a smile and not turning away from his loving God. Despite the daily pain Melvin experiences, Melvin came out a hero and stayed strong until the end.
After high school, Melvin completed his studies at Gradwohl School. Graduate school in laboratory technique in St. Louis, Missouri as a practical x-ray technician.
Years later, Melvin enlisted in the United States Army and from there he served time with the United States Coast Guard. Melvin was a very active member in the Knights of Peter Claver to support the black Catholic community during the civil rights movement.
Melvin was also a mason with the Elks Lodge where he did a tremendous amount of charitable work. Melvin’s life experiences played a very important role in his later years which taught him the value of discipline, teamwork, love, joy, and investing in a cause larger than himself, which lead him to become a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Melvin was born on June 4th, 1930 to Ida Mae Polk, his mother, and Leo Polk Sr., his father, in Mobile, Alabama. Melvin is survived by his daughters, Sandra Beard and son-in-law Alvin Beard from Wilma, Alabama, Tonnie White from California, Deborah Broughton and son-in0law Michael Broughton from Tacoma, Washington, Melvina Washington from Las Vegas, Nevada, Ida Mae Sierra from Las Vegas Nevada, Maria Polk and son-in-law, Charlie Lingkapo, from Riverside, California, Bernadette Johnson and son-in-law, Kenneth Johnson, from Las Vegas, Nevada, Autumn Polk from Mobile, Alabama, son, Antonio Polk, and daughter-in-law, Autumn Polk, from Las Vegas, Nevada, daughter-in-law, Tonya Polk, from Las Vegas, Nevada. A host of grandkids, great grandkids, great great grandkids, family, friend, and extended family that could not be here due to Covid-19.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18