In the year of 1946 June 8th a precious baby boy was born to Collie and Gardess Burden.  He was the tenth child. Melvin accepted Christ at a early age, at Saint John Baptist Church in Slick, Oklahoma.  He attended school at Loverture in Slick, Oklahoma.  He loved to dance, ride horses and drive.  At a early age he learned to drive semi trucks.

He moved to Oklahoma City, OK, and drove for Lee Way Trucking Company for 12 years with his friend Frank Dean.  There he met Thressa Hunt to that union three children were born.  When Lee Way closed down he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and drove for ABF Freight Company for 26 years.  He received many plaques and awards.  A safe driving plaque of recognition for driving three million miles accident free.  Melvin retired December 31, 2010.

While living in New Mexico he joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and became a deacon, also sang with the men choir.

In 2012 he relocated back to Tulsa, Oklahoma, there he married his friend Linda L. Hill and together they joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in 2013.

Before becoming sick Melvin loved to go to bible study, sunday school, and church.  He loved talking to brother Alfonso Gaines.

Melvin leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife Linda of the home, six daughters, one stepdaughter on goddaughter.  Sandra (Calvin) Grimmett, Angela Jones, Latonya (Leon) Hobson, Jacqueline Lynch, Rhonda Johnson all of Tulsa, OK.  Sherry Wilson of New Port News, West Virginia, LaSonya Burden (Sei) and Temesha Burden of Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Four granddaughters Darion Grimmett, Brooke Hobson of Tulsa, OK, Makaylin Wilson of New Port News, West Virginia, and Haven Burel of Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Two grandsons Justin Zeigler and Brandon Hobson of Tulsa, OK, one brother Raymond (Sally) Burden of Kansas City, MO. One sister Doris Johnson of Tulsa, OK, two brother-in-laws Clarence (Christella) Edwards, Harry (Reginia) Edwards, one sister-in-law Eva Mae (John) Brown all of Tulsa, OK.  Along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Preceding Melvin in death his parents, one grandson Cameron Sei, three brothers, and four sisters.

To Those Whom I Love & Those Who Love Me

I Thought Of You

This morning when I wakened

and saw the sun above,

I softly, said "Good morning Lord,

Bless every one I love!"

Right away I though of you

and said a little prayer

That he would bless you specially

and keep you free from care

I thought of all the happiness

A day could hold in store

and wished it all for you because

no one deserves it more!

I felt so warm and good inside

my heart was all a glow...

I know God heard my prayer for you

He hears them all you know.