He was born May 25, 1971, in Oklahoma City, the son of John Jr. and Marcy (Edwards) Melvin. He graduated from U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma City in 1989, where he played trombone in the marching band for two years, and from the University of Oklahoma in 1996 with a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology. He moved with his family to Lawrence in 1997.

Mr. Melvin was a dock supervisor at the Lawrence Journal-World.

He married Kristin L. Melvin (Taylor) on May 31, 1990, in Oklahoma City. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a daughter, Kaitlyn Melvin of the home; his parents of Oklahoma; two brothers, Tim and Scott, both of Oklahoma City; and two sisters, Teri Fielder and Stary Cole, both of Oklahoma City.

The family suggests memorials to a fund in his name at US Bank in Lawrence.

Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home is in charge of Lawrence arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.