Born: Sept. 15, 1949

Died: Oct. 22, 2012

The sun rose on the life of Mr. Melvin Lee, Jr. on Sept. 15, 1949 when he was born in Durant, Miss., to Melvin Lee, Sr. and Carmell McGee.  One of seven children, Melvin had four brothers, Lawrence, Oscar, William and Gary and two sisters, Betty and Carmen.  Educated in the public school system, Melvin graduated from Cassopolis High School, Cassopolis, Mich.

Melvin proudly served his country in the United States Army.  He began his active duty on July 30, 1969 and completed his tour of duty on May 28, 1971.  His final rank was PFC and he received an Honorable Discharge from the government and a grateful nation.

On Oct. 22, 2012, the sun set on the life of Mr. Melvin Lee, Jr. as he passed from this life into eternal rest.  Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Teresa Lee of Aurora, Colo.; sons Aaron Lee-Jennings of Cassopolis, Derahni Raven and Donnie Austin, both of Aurora, Colo.; daughters, Dawnetia (Thomas) Boyknight of Germany and Shantavian Austin-Poll of Dallas; brothers, Lawrence Lee of Chicago, Oscar (Shelly Archuleta) Lee of Aurora, Colo.; William (Mable) Lee of Niles, and Gary Lee of Phoenix, Ariz.; sisters, Betty Lee (Billy) Nichols of Atlanta, Ga., and Carmen (Paul) Peake of Cassopolis; five grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Family and friends will gather at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012 in the Church of Cassopolis, 520 Pearl Street, Cassopolis, for a HomeGoing service with the Apostle Christopher Pittman officiating.

Mr. Lee’s final resting place is in Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colo.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.  Online condolences may be posted at wagnercares.com.