Melvin Glenn Vining

Melvin Vining, a resident of Bedico, was born June 7, 1942, to Robert Erving and Mamie Inez Vining. Melvin passed away on November 6, 2021 at home surrounded by family at the age of 79. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. Melvin had a big heart and never met a stranger. When he entered a room he would always speak to everyone whether he knew them or not. He is already deeply missed by his family and all that knew him. He attended Champ Cooper School and Ponchatoula High School. He was married to Sandra, his best friend and soul mate for 58 years. Together they had 3 children. He spent his years working hard and providing for his family as a welder/pipefitter. After retirement, he loved spending his days with his family, taking vacations to the Smoky Mountains, and fishing with his nephew Alan and his grandson Cole. He loved making his children and grandchildren laugh by telling jokes. He adored his great-grandchildren and loved when they would visit. He loved Gospel Bluegrass music and would play gigs at nursing homes, fairs, and churches with his group, Last Chance Bluegrass Band as a scrub board player.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Sandra Sawyer Vining; his children, Kim Vining Kern (Robert), Darrin Vining, and Karen Vining Thompson (Shad); his grandchildren, Amanda Kern Andersen (Bret), Courtney Kern (Travis Galloway), Kacey Thompson (Andrew Cook), Cole Thompson, and Lane Thompson; his great-grandchildren, Landon Andersen and twins, Brody and Sarah Andersen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Melvin is preceded in death by his sisters, Vera Bourroughs and Iris Dewitt; and his brothers, Irvin Vining, Robert Vining, and Willis Vining.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula, 100 W. Magnolia Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454, on Saturday, November 13, 2021beginning at 11:00 AM until the funeral service begins at 1:00 PM.  

Interment will follow in Morse Cemetery, Bedico, Louisiana.

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