Melvin Lee Roberson Jr.

Melvin Lee Roberson Jr.
Melvin Lee Roberson Jr.

Melvin Lee Roberson Jr., 77, of Amarillo, TX died Monday, January 18, 2021.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, January 25, 2021, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 6969 East Interstate 40, Amarillo, TX 79118.  Live virtual services also available on Zoom. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Melvin Junior, “nooner” or “Mel” as he was known to many family and friends, was born on April 3, 1943 to Melvin and Ruth Roberson in Amarillo where he lived his entire life.  As a child, Melvin often spent long summers with grandparents as they worked on various ranches throughout the Texas panhandle, Oklahoma and New Mexico.  During this time, Mel developed a deep affection for his grandmother Iva Mae, who played an important role in his personal and spiritual growth.

Melvin was among the first-generation students to attend Tascosa High School, from which he graduated in 1961.  He was an active teenager who participated on the wrestling team in high school and attended local professional wrestling matches in his pastime as a young adult.  He was a talented roller skater that could do many skating tricks and spent a lot of time hanging out with friends at the local roller rinks.  Mel enjoyed cars and would watch the local drag races in Amarillo.  He was so proud of the first Ford he bought himself, and later of his new red and white Ford Galaxy hardtop.  Cars and sports continued to be favorite past time throughout Mel’s life.

Melvin and Sandra Lumpkin met through mutual friends and married in 1965.  At the time Sandra was attending Nursing School and Melvin was her strongest supporter.  He helped and encouraged her every step of the way.  Melvin spent much of his time outside of work with his two sons supporting his wife’s continued education and teaching career.  This was a special time in Mel’s life with his boys.  He enjoyed many years of hunting, boating and RVing with family and friends.  Mel was a peaceful man who worked hard and valued his family above all.  He enjoyed spending summers and holidays with his three grandchildren as they grew up.  Melvin retired after 35 years working as a Grain Inspector with the Amarillo Grain Exchange.

Early in life Melvin developed a seizure disorder which continued throughout most of his life.  In spite of this, Melvin lived a life full of family, friends, physical activities and work.  Melvin did not leave this world from seizures or its complications, but instead from a rare, not widely known, neurodegenerative disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).  One of the cardinal symptoms of PSP is unexplained balance and falling problems.  Falling backwards or to one side is common.  Public awareness of this disorder will help families to identify symptoms in loved ones, to find proper help when identified, to educate physicians for more accurate diagnosis in patients, and to encourage more medical research.  Those interested in this disorder can go to PSP.org for more information.

Melvin Jr is preceded in death by his parents Melvin Sr and Ruth Roberson; his brother Dennis Roberson; his grandparents Emery and Marion Roberson and Dennie and Iva Mae Vibbard; father-in-law and mother-in-law Robert and Juanita Lumpkin; brothers-in-law Kyle Denton, Bob Lumpkin and Rolland Manning; daughter-in-law Raquel Roberson; and nephews Dennis Roberson Jr, Eric Rodgers and Shane Denton.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years Sandra Roberson; son Troy Roberson and grandson Garrett of Amarillo; son Chase Roberson and wife Kristina and grandchildren Coleten and Makaila of Austin; sister Janis Denton of Amarillo; sister-in-law Wanda Roberson of Amarillo; sister-in-law Barbara Manning of Amarillo; sister-in-law Linda Jones and husband Jeff of Estelline; sister-in-law Patricia Lumpkin of Goliad; nieces Pennie Erwin, Cari Fluty, Starla Hodnett, Dana Johnson, and Jaclyn Booth; nephews Robert Roberson, Ardell Rodgers, and Kirk Bell; as well as a large extended family of loving and devoted aunts, uncles, cousins, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and friends.

For friends and family who are unable to attend, please join our live stream of the graveside services on Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78456235223?pwd=RlBndHJ6NnVhSVVhQkNyRU5hWm5CQT09 (Passcode: Melvin / Meeting ID: 784 5623 5223)

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations be made to help support awareness, education, care and cure for devastating prime of life neurodegenerative diseases at PSP.org.

 

5 Replies to “Melvin Lee Roberson Jr.”

  1. Sandra, I’m so sorry to hear of Melvin Lees passing . Even though I haven’t seen many of my cousins in years, they hold a special place in my heart. If I remember correctly , you were at Dana Lynn’s memorial and was telling me of some of his issues and filling me in. on
    where the other family members were etc. I really appreciated you being there and sharing with me . I had planned on making a trip to Amarillo and to try and visit the relatives we have left 🥴 then this Covid thing hit and now everybody is “caved up” 😟 in their homes and they don’t go out and nobody goes in 😣 so those plans and ideas will have to be put on hold 😟 I’m looking forward to the day when there will be no more death , no more sorrow or weeping and we can be reunited with our loved ones in heaven . Come Lord Jesus😇

  2. Sandy:
    Leay and I were so sad to hear of Melvin’s passing. He was such a genuine and caring person. My Mom and Dad thought highly of him, your family, and especially you. You and Melvin were people who were always there for others. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
    Darryl and Leay Phillips

  3. Sandra, we are saddened to hear of Mel’s passing. We will always remember our fun times together. May the God of peace and comfort be with you. Sammie and Mike Hurt

  4. Oh! Sandy I’m so sorry for the loss of Melvin Lee . He was my favorite cousin – when we were young we spent a lot of time together when my family wld come to Amarillo . I’ll never forget your kindness to me when I need it. God Bless
    You all will b n our prayers!!!

  5. We are so sorry for your loss. Mel was a good friend with whom we loved spending time with. We four had a wonderful time on a cruise, trip to Santa Fe, playing cards, having dinner… the list goes on. We will miss his sweet smile and his gentle personality! Our love to you, Sandy, and the entire family.

    James and Donna Walton

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