Melvin Arlee Mitchell

Melvin Arlee Mitchell, 73 years old of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, went to be with Jesus on Sunday, September 2, 2018, surrounded by his family at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was born on Sunday, October 15, 1944, in Vincennes, Indiana to Robert Arlee and Dorothy Stella Mitchell. On September 10, 1964 he married Shirley Jones with whom he was married to until his passing…. nearly 54 years and with this happy union were born 4 daughters. Melvin served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 6 years and when he was young was called into the ministry and pastored faithfully for 42 years with the Bible Missionary Church. Melvin enjoyed life and loved fishing, working on cars, woodworking, camping and picnics but he especially loved family gatherings and pastoring his churches. 

Melvin is survived by his loving wifeof almost 54 years, Shirley Mitchell, his 4 daughters, Jennifer Shaw and her husband Jeff, Brenda McKim and her husband Jon, Trish Norwood and her husband Tim and Leah Sater and her husband Jay, 18 grandchildren, his brother Terry Mitchell,and his sister Shirley Harris, also many nieces, nephews and close friends. 

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Arlee and Dorothy Stella Mitchell. 

A Visitation for Melvin will be held Thursday, September 6, 2018 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond. A Funeral Service Celebrating Melvin's Life will immediately follow visitation at 12:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Sand Hill Cemetery in Ponchatoula. 

In lieu of flowers the family wishes all memorial donations be made to his wife Shirley Mitchell, 433 E.Hickory St., Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454 to help with his medical expenses. 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond. 

Melvin's guest book can be viewed on www.harrymckneely.com.