Melvin Greene

Melvin Eugene Greene, born on November 12, 1947 to Merle Otis Greene Sr. and Julia Anne Greene in Kansas City, Mo.  Melvin gained his heavenly wings on Tuesday, December 29th, 2020.

He was proceeded in death by both parents Merle O. Greene Sr. and Julia A. Greene.

Life Reflections

In high school, Melvin was very athletic, his mother called him “the muscle.”  He participated in track, running relay races, and jumping hurdles.  He was also in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).  Melvin graduated from Central High School in 1965.

Melvin married Mary A. Collins his high school sweetheart in 1969.  To this union four children were born, Tamara Michelle, Damon Andre, Dione Christopher, and Tamika “Mika” Nicole.

Melvin was a family man, he loved spending time with his wife, children, close family, and friends.  His favorite past-time was spending time at the lake where he enjoyed the water and fishing.

Melvin loved to sing, he sung gospel in the church and the blues in night clubs.  At times, Melvin would impersonate Jackie Wilson as a soul singer and performer.  In the early 1970s, he performed in groups such as the “Metro Lights” and “Voices of Heaven.”  They went around singing in Kansas City and other places.  Melvin became friends and an acquaintance of other popular singers and performers such as James Cleveland, Billy Preston, Shirley Ceasar, Aretha Franklin, the Staple Singers, Ray Charles, and Sammy Davis Jr.

The Businessman

Melvin also owned his own business, “Mel’s Photography.”  When groups such as the O’ Jays, Earth Wind & Fire, the Spinners, Gladys Knight and the Pips and others came into town, Melvin would set up his photography booth at various venues to serve the community.  In 2000, Melvin began his real estate business while concurrently providing transportation services for several companies.

The Man of God

As early as 8 years old, Melvin served his church as an altar boy and singer throughout his teenage years.  He wore a black and white robe, rang the church bells, carried the crucifix, and sang in the choir.  As part of church conventions, Melvin traveled with his mother and siblings to Chicago, Baltimore, New York, California, and various other places.  He received alcaldes for his accomplishments. Melvin served the church throughout his entire life; he was generous in his giving and his favorite book was the Bible.  He made sure that his family was deeply rooted in GOD’s word by teaching them about the Kingdom of Heaven and consistently leading bible study at home with his wife and children on days when they were not able to attend church service.  He was a faithful man, never wavering and always holding true to God’s promises, he taught his children how to pray and often prayed out loud for them and others.   He became a member at Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ in the early 90’s and later became a Deacon where he and his wife of 51 ½ years served as mentors and advisors to younger married couples in a marriage ministry.

Cherishing Memory

Melvin E. Greene leaves to cherish his memory Mary A Greene, wife of 51 ½ years, sons Damon A. Greene Sr. (Carealetta) of Grandview, MO and Dione C. Greene (Terri) of Lee’s Summit, MO; daughters, Tamara McCullough (Steve) of Raymore, MO and Tamika “Mika” Colston (Rashad) of Belton MO; 5 grandson’s, Damon Jr., Cameron, Kaden, Carson and Christian, 3 granddaughter’s Destiny, Daniel and Sydney;  brother Merle O. Greene Jr. (Sam) of Los Angeles, CA, sister’s Delores Santiago of Los Angeles, CA, Frances Jackson (Wayne) of Kansas City, Mo; very close relatives Barbara Jean Parks (Ron), Molly McCullough (George), Dr. Jamie Nixon and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Legacy of Life Teachings

To all that knew Melvin, knew a good Man!  A loving Husband, Father and Family Man!!  Dad often taught us with the following quotes, and hopefully each person reading this takes them to heart as it is only brick by brick a foundation is built.

“The older you get, the more wisdom and knowledge you get.” “Take it day to day.” “Everything is Kosher, enjoy life.” “You make your bed, you got to sleep in it.” “A hard head, makes a soft behind.” “It’s better to have and not need, then to need and not have.” “If I wasn’t doing anything better, I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.”

…and to our resolve, Dad is gone in the flesh, but never forgotten and his legacy lives forever!!

2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”

The visitation is available to the public starting at 9:30am-11am.

The funeral is private for close family and friends starting at 11am.  The family has properly accounted for everyone in attendance at the funeral to be socially distanced due to the COVID 19 Pandemic.

Please click link below to view service virtually. Private Disposition.