Melvin Heidelberg Sr

Melvin “Tweezer” Heidelberg was born July 31st, 1944 to Roland Heidelberg and Daisy Mae “Tea Baby” Hyde in Laurel, Mississippi. He was raised along with his brother Roland Jr and sisters Mary Ann and Evelyn in the family homestead on East 19th Street. Mama Daisy and the family patriarch David “Big Daddy” Hyde and matriarch Mary “Big Mama” Young Hyde played integral roles in shaping Melvin, his brother and his sister’s lives. Melvin graduated from Oak Park High School where he participated enthusiastically as a member of the Dragons football squad.

At the age of 19, Melvin enlisted in the United States Army, completing basic training and combat engineering school at the Army Training Center in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was trained as a combat construction specialist attached to a mechanized infantry brigade posted in Europe. Melvin received the Sharpshooter badge and the National Defense Service Medal and during his posting even visited the German city that was his namesake. Melvin left active service in 1965 with an honorable discharge.

After leaving the Army, Melvin attended the Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas as a “walk-on” student athlete. After his time in Manhattan, he moved to Topeka, Kansas where he would start his family and professional career. He met his first wife, Jane Magdalene Windham in Laurel and following their wedding day, she moved with him to Kansas where all three of their children were born. In Topeka, Melvin began work with Farmers Insurance Group as an insurance agent. Through talent, hard work and charisma he rose to become a General Manager, providing a comfortable living for his family.

Following the death of his first wife, Melvin and his two youngest children relocated to Sugarland, Texas. He remarried, forming a new family with his second wife, Marriette Bell. As a devoted son, Melvin made frequent visits to his family in Laurel. When his beloved mother’s health began to fail, he moved back home to attend to her daily needs until her passing in 2007. Happily, Melvin was able to put his youngest through college and joyfully attended her graduation from the University of Southern Mississippi. Melvin made fast friendships with many people in his hometown and across the United States. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and taught his sons to fish, shoot, snow ski and ride horseback.

He was proceeded in death by his mother Daisy, his father Roland, and his first wife Jane. He is survived by his children, Jason Ryan, Sarah Jane and Melvin Jr. His siblings Roland, Mary Ann and Evelyn. Two grand children, Elijah Destin, Mia Jane, and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Melvin will be remembered for his wit, easy-going nature and as a sharp dresser. But, most of all he will be missed as a father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

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