Melvin Larkins

Melvin Larkins was born on July 25, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan to his parents, Albert Larkins and Virgie Mary Ragland Larkins. He was the first born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his brothers, Albert, Carl, Angelo, Manya, Kevin, Bruce and his sisters, Yvonne, Vicki, Joan, Joyce, Judy, and Karen. Melvin grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where he and his best friend, Joe Battle, would hang out in his dad's record store with Aretha Franklin and her sister. He received his formal education in Detroit where he graduated from Northeastern High School in 1953. He furthered his education by attending Columbia College in Denver, Colorado, where he earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree. Melvin enlisted in the United State Air Force. While serving his country, he was stationed in Okinawa Japan, Hampton, Virginia, Tacoma, Washington, Bangkok, Thailand and his last duty station was in Denver, Colorado, where he ultimately decided to settle down and make it his home. He served during the Vietnam War. While in the military, Melvin received numerous awards, medals and citations for meritorious service. He served with honor and distinction was honorably discharged in 1975, after 20 years of faithful and dedicated service. Melvin was married to Yueh Yu Lee for 52 years whom preceded him in death. From that union were born five beautiful children, Tommy, Vickie Marie, Carl, Lin and Tiffany. He was later blessed with three grandchildren, Spencer, Riley, and Caden, who were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. The family shared many happy and precious moments together. On August 3, 2013, Melvin wed the former Betty J. Rowe in Denver, Colorado. They first met in Denver. They enjoyed traveling to the various fraternal conventions they were apart of, as well as, attending church. They shared many happy and memorable moments together. After his military discharge, Melvin became employed by the Department of Interior for Fish and Wildlife Administration. His friend, C.D. Rice was instrumental in Melvin obtaining the employment. He was hard working and performed his duties with a spirit of excellence. He also worked for the United Postal Service. A man of faith and belief in the Lord, Melvin visited Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church for a number of years. He truly believed everyone needed to have the right relationship with the Lord and he was faithful and committed to the word of God. Melvin was a member of several social, fraternal and civic organizations. He was a member of The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), the American Legion, the Disabled Veterans and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He was also active in many of the political activities both local and state. His closest friends will miss the comraderies they all shared together and the fact that he was a true and trusted friend. He was a charismatic man, who carried a jovial personality. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man. To know Melvin was to love him. Melvin Larkins departed this life on October 20, 2014, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his wife, Betty J. Larkins, Denver; 2 sons, Tommy L. (Sondra) Larkins, Morgan Hill, CA, and Carl L. Larkins, Washington, DC; 2 daughters, Lin (Brian) Surratt, Aurora and Tiffany S. Larkins, Washington, DC; 5 brothers, Angelo (Fannie) Larkins, Adel, GA, Carl Larkins, Manya Larkins, Kevin (Wanda) Larkins, Bruce Larkins all Michigan; 6 sisters, Vickie Braggs, Southfield, MI Myland Policaropio, Joyce Braggs, Las Vegas, NV, Judy Spradley, Detroit, MI, Yvonne Owens, IL and Karen Driver, MI; 3 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 10/27/2014 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 10/28/2014 at 11:00 AM - Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church - 1500 South Dayton Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 10/28/2014 at 1:30 PM - Fort Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO