Melvin Sanford Mitchell was born on August 21, 1940, in Plainview, Oklahoma to Kellum and Altie (Stamps) Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Mitchell; parents, Kellum and Altie Mitchell; sisters, Mary Knight and Hazel Gipson.

Melvin married Wanda Mitchell on February 1, 1968, and they made their home in Rufe, Oklahoma. In his younger years, he worked for the pipeline, construction and sawmill industries. Melvin loved helping people, digging graves with a shovel, raising a garden and visiting with family. He was a member of Faithway Baptist Church and will be dearly missed by his community, family and friends.

Melvin is survived by his stepdaughter, Linda Frei and Chris of Tomah, Wisconsin; three grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; sister, Laverne Elliott; special nephew, Paul Gipson; special cousin, Vida Winters; along with a host of other family, friends and loved ones.