Melvin V. Jones

Melvin Vernon Jones, 98, known as “Popi”, was the only child born to Thomas and Geania (nee. Grant) Jones on July 8,1920 in Canfield, Arkansas. When he was 5 years old, he moved to East St. Louis where he started his education at Dunbar Elementary.

After graduating from Lincoln Senior High School, Melvin later enrolled at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff A.M.& N. In November 1942, he volunteered for the United States Army during WWII and was honorably discharged in November 1945 and achieved the rank of 1st Sergeant earning one silver battle star, a good conduct medal and the prestigious WWII victory medal. He then headed to Quebec Canada. There, he enrolled in the Université Laval to learn French. Melvin also earned two master degrees, history and French foreign language, and he was a fraternal member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Epsilon Lambda Chapter.

Melvin worked for the St. Louis Post Office for 10 years and the East St. Louis Adult Education Program. He also taught in St. Louis Public Schools and St. Engelbert Catholic School. He was employed by East St. Louis School District 189 where he eventually retired as a foreign language teacher/coordinator at 30 years of service.

On Tuesday, April 23, Melvin quietly passed away. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 70 years, Nadine Lampley Jones, five children; Patricia Willis of East St. Louis, IL; Cheryl (George) Carr of St. Charles, MO; Melvin V.

Jones, Jr., MD of Playa del Rey CA; Darryl (Villajean M.) Jones of Olivette, MO and Glenda Jones of Brandon, FL; nine grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Funeral arrangements for Melvin will be held on Friday, May 3 at St. Elizabeth Mother of John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4330 Shreve Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115, Visitation: 9:00 AM to 10:30, Mass: 10:30 AM; Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery