Melvin Bernard Settles was born to Maceo and Thelma Settles on May 17, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri. He transitioned from this life on September 15, 2019. His mother, father, and brother, Maceo Jr., preceded him in death.
At age 14, Melvin met the love of his life, Mirian Cofield, when her family moved across the street. After they graduated from Vashon High School, they married (69 years) and had five children: Deborah, Melvin Jr., Kim, Craig (Dora), and Marci; grandchildren: Angela (Steven), Demian, Jazmine, Kianna, and Craig Jr.; great-grandchildren: Cameron, Cheyenne, Alexis, Ryan, and Christian; great-great grandchild: Jayden.
Melvin attended Stowe Teachers College in St. Louis at age 16 and was the youngest member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He later connected with his Fraternity Brothers in Stockton and was the oldest member of the Chapter. Melvin left college because he couldn't gather enough students to enroll in Level 3 German and joined the Army. He was stationed with his family in Anchorage, Alaska and Kaiserslautern, Germany. The family enjoyed many week-end trips traveling 90 mph on the autobahn. His last post was at Sharpe Army Depot in Lathrop, California. Melvin attended San Joaquin Delta College (AA), University of the Pacific (BA) and University of Michigan (MA). Melvin taught in the Stockton Unified School District for over 20 years and was elected President of the Stockton Teachers Association.
Melvin and Mirian were among the founding members of Progressive Community Church, Glenn Shields, Pastor. Melvin served on the Scholarship, Finance, and Building Committees.
In April, 2019, after Melvin was diagnosed with cancer, his spirit and attitude were remarkably upbeat. He expressed that he had led a rich, full life, and had few regrets. Throughout his courageous battle against the disease, he was surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors. Melvin enjoyed spending time with his wife, Mirian, fishing, camping, gardening, reading, listening to jazz and blues, golf, tennis, and watching sports, Family Feud, and Sanford & Son on tv.
Melvin leaves special memories to family members (Dr. Amos Cofield, Jeanette Cofield, Mary Settles, Mary Alice Lynum, Antonio, Angelo, Geno, and Isoke Settles, many friends and special neighbors.
Melvin enjoyed spending time with his wife, Mirian, fishing, camping, gardening, reading, listening to jazz and blues, golf, tennis, and watching sports, Family Feud, and Sanford & Son on tv.
