Melvin Gale McBane

Melvin Gale McBane was born on May 27, 1940 at home in the small community of Delhi, Oklahoma even though his birth was recorded as Erick, Oklahoma. Melvin passed away with loved ones near his side in the early hours of Tuesday, February 11, 2020 in Shawnee at the age of 79.

Melvin was the 6th child born to Archie Mearl and Rosa Lee (VanBuskirk) McBane. Dads and grandfathers are someone to look up to, someone to follow, someone to admire, someone to be proud of, someone to hold, to cry with, someone to learn from and someone to respect. Melvin was all of these things.

He was always in his favorite overalls and ready to go fishing at any moment of the day, even if he got dumped in the lake, stepped on and tripped over. He was a dedicated grandfather that shared the fun moments but also had a strong Christian faith that he shared with all of his family or even a passing stranger. His love was unconditional, his forgiveness given freely, and he never met a stranger. He was always there to give out hugs and he would give the last dollar in his wallet to anyone that needed it. Melvin proudly served his country in the 8th Air Force and was a respected veteran who served as a military police canine handler.

Melvin married Mary Jayne Porch on October 19, 1964 in Fayetteville, Arkansas and they celebrated 53 years together. He had six children. Melvin Eugene McBane., Kenneth Ray McBane and wife Terry Michael Keith McBane and wife Angie, all of Guthrie, OK. Angelia Gail McBane of the home, Brenda Kaye Kelly and husband Keith of Shawnee, OK. And David Allan McBane and wife Julie of Savanna, OK.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife, two sons, Michael and David and by his siblings, Carol, Louise, Pearl, Herschel, and Rosalee.

His surviving siblings are Lloyd McBane and wife Ginger of Redding, California, Jewel Pope and husband Ben of Shawnee, OK, Weslie McBane of Guthrie, OK. Weltha McBane and wife Linda of Union City, OK., and Wilford McBane and wife Rayleen of Moore, OK.

Melvin has numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. So many that he had a hard time keeping count. He loved each and every one. He resided in Sparks, Oklahoma from 1984 until 2019 and later moved to Shawnee. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Meeker, Oklahoma for thirty-five years and loved his church family dearly. When he moved to Shawnee, he became a member of Highland Church of Christ in Tecumseh where he was beginning to get to know his new church family. Church was one of his favorite places to be. His most cherished times were the ones spent with his family and friends, whether it was a cookout, birthday party, wedding, reunion or just sitting around the living room catching up.  Melvin will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the Highland Church of Christ in Tecumseh. Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.

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