Melvin Loyd (ML) John Jr.

Melvin Loyd (ML) John Jr., went to be with the lord while being at his home in New Waverly, Texas surrounded by his family and friends on Sunday, February 08, 2009 after a courageous battle with diabetes and, heart issues. ML was an extremely loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother who will be extremely missed. He was born on August 13, 1935, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. To Melvin John Sr. and Euza Key John. He graduated from Pine Tree High School, and attended Kilgore College. He also took bible classes at LaTourneau University. He proudly served as a pipe fitter for the United States Navy. Shortly after serving his country, he met the love of his life, Rita, and married her on October 16, 1959. Together, they raised three children and ML was a loving and devoted husband and father. He worked many long and hard hours as a dedicated employee with Texas Eastman in Longview, Texas. It was in 1977, when he decided to make a change in scenery and move his family to New Waverly, Texas They owned and operated A&J Price Rite Grocery Store. They made lots of loyal friends that tuned into everlasting friendships. Students from the local high school would work there and begin their career in life. ML was a mentor in many individuals’ lives. He taught them the skills of running and maintaining a business. He took them under his wing, as they were one of his own children. He volunteered many hours in the community; he served on the New Waverly City Council, the New Waverly School Board, and was also a Peace Officer with the State of Texas. ML had a deep religious faith that inspired everyone that was blessed in his presence. He shared his devout love about the Lord Jesus Christ to many. He ministered the word, and shared the gospel to any that would hear. He loved God and was an active member in the Abundant Life Tabernacle church. ML Loved the outdoors, from watching the grandkids show animals or being at the ballpark and maybe an occasional trip to the deer lease. In addition, he was creative in making iron works and woodcrafts with his hands. He had a passion of working with his hands, he loved to work on muscle cars from tearing them down to nothing to getting them out on the road to run full throttle. He was a Lifetime member and Founding member of the New Waverly Coon Hunters Association. He is survived by his beloved wife Rita John of 49 years; children Schannette Slott and husband Gerald Slott, Angela Williams and husband Chuck Williams, Melvin Loyd “Bull” John III and wife Sharon John; grandchildren Joshua Slott, Jacob Slott, Garrett Coleman, Ashley Sustaire, Jena John, Lacie John, O’Shae Williams, Heather John, and Kyia Williams; great-grandchildren Abby Coleman, Ashton Coleman, Keara Sustaire and best friend “Shot Gun” Fred John and wife Kathy John; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Melvin John Sr. and Euza John, and brother Payton John, Aunt Robbie John and cousins Tressa John and Pam John. The family would like to extend sincere appreciation for the kindbess and love given by Cindy Roberts, Gene Alt, Regina Johnson, and Sandy Arrowood. ML will lie in state Tuesday, February 10, 2009 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and the family will receive friends Tuesday, February 10, 2009 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 10:00 am in the chapel of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas followed by a burial at the family cemetery. While all his family will miss him and many people he touched, the love he shared will last a lifetime; he was truly and inspiration to everyone. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com. “He fought a good fight, He has finished the course, He kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Melvin Loyd (ML) John Jr.

August 13, 1935 - February 8, 2009