Melvis Leotis Minter was the fourth child born to Earnest and Emma Dee Nelson- Minter. He was born on the 30th day of September, 1942, in Idabel, Oklahoma. He was an infant when he lost his father. The family then moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Melvis was raised by his mother, Emma Dee, and his grandmother, Hester Nelson. His mother met and married Théodore Hawkins, Sr., in 1943. They became an instant blended family with his six children and her four children. Together, they added five additional children. Melvis loved his family and was extremely close to his grandmother. He was educated in Tulsa public school system. He enjoyed his high school days, especially when he excelled in basketball. He graduated from Booker T. Washington in 1961. He met and married Rose Brewer in 1965. Together, they had three children: SuMeko, DawnYail, and Brian Minter. The marriage dissolved in 1976, but the friendship lasted until his death. Melvis was a kind person with a gentle soul. His younger siblings looked up to him. He always took special pride in his appearance, his lawn, and his healthy diet. Back in the day, he played baseball with some old schoolers, a group of longtime friends... They were THE TULSA JETS, and they were hard to beat! He was an American Airline retiree and a member of Higher Dimensions Church for many years, pastored by Carlton Pearson. His illness was a lengthy battle, but he never lost his faith. He was cared for from the beginning of his illness until the end by his daughter, SuMeko Mayo, in her home.

Preceded in death by:
His Parents: Earnest Minter, Emma Hawkins, and his stepfather, Théodore Hawkins, Sr.

His Sons and Grandson:

Brian Minter, Derrick Minter, and TeOndre' Minter (grandson)

His Siblings:

Willie Nelson, Erma Minter, Ella Foster, Théodore Hawkins, Jr., Rosie Tillis, Margie Reed, and Mildred Hawkins

Mr. Melvis L. Minters after 78 years with us, went to be with the Lord on Thursday morning, June 17, 2021 from his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Left to cherish his memory:
His Children:

SuMeko Mayo (Michael), DawnYail Minter, Lynn Logan (Reginald),

and Mark Sango
His Grandchildren:

Torey Minter, La'Shayla Goff-Whichard, Bronshay Minter, Michael Wilson,
Brittni Logan, Davion Perkins, Kiara Sango, and JaKobe Sango

His Great-Grandchildren:

Layla Rose Whichard, Jordyn Minter, Ava Sego-Wilson, Halle' Wilson,

and Khilan Wilson
His Siblings:

Jewel Hooks, Juanita Davis, Donnie Hawkins (Deb), Elaine Hawkins Williams,
Debbie Hawkins, Todd Hawkins (Linda), and Marsha Hawkins Silmon (Ronnie)

Do not cry because I am gone...
CELEBRATE BECAUSE I WAS HERE
"FLIGHT #93042 HAS SAFELY LANDED"

Service are scheduled for Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the St. John Baptist Church in Tulsa.

You may visit Mr. Minter as he slumbers at the funeral home in Tulsa on Friday, June 25, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.