Mr. Melvin O'Neal Barnes, Jr.

While on his journey to his everlasting resting place, Melvin accomplished many things. Melvin O’Neal Barnes, Jr. was born January 8, 1967 the son of Melvin and Earlene Barnes. He passed away on May 17, 2025 at the age of 57 years. Melvin graduated from Saginaw High School, Class of 1985. He later successfully completed training at Ross Medical School as a Certified Nursing Assistant. He mastered the BBQ grill and became known as “Top Chef”. He wore many hats, his most proud title, “PaPa”. The little ones meant the world to him and he made sure they knew it. Melvin was the proud father of seven children. He married Evelyn Whittington in 1999 and together they made you feel like one of their own. He was all about family and his love never wavered. He was stern but meant well in all of his doings. Melvin also had a sense of humor, he was silly. He loved fishing and spending time with his two best friends, his dogs Monie and Egypt: they were a true definition of “A Man’s Best Friend”. He loved his two dogs unconditionally and spent most of the day with them. They answered on command and we know he loved that! Although he will be missed, remember his words: “It’s not good-bye, it’s see you later! Mr. Melvin O. Barnes, Jr. leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Evelyn Barnes, Saginaw; children, Monique (Pride) McNair, Inkster, MI, Carolynn Barnes and DeAngelo Whittington, Saginaw, Jonathon and Breana McAfee of TX and Jasmine Barnes, Columbus, OH; 13 grandchildren, Kevin Whittington, Marquisha, Marquise, Marquavis (Hutson), Iyanna Davis, Melody Smith, Ka’Honi Whittington, De’Angel Whittington, Jayceon Johnson, Andre Guishard, Jr., Johnathan, Jr., Kristian and Heaven McAfee, mother, Earlene Barnes, Saginaw; sisters, Sherry “William” “Kenneth” McFadden and Shatonia Barnes, both of Saginaw; five brothers, Richard Smith III, Toriano Smith, Isaac Christmas, Jr. and Mark (Beatrice) Christmas; aunts, Gloria Thompson, Shelia Chapman, Norella and Joyce Barnes, Ettiene (Tyrone) Walker, Angela (Elder Wayne) Robbins and Theresa Jackson; uncles, Richard Smith, Ray Carl (Lisa) Smith (Shaon), Mark Barnes, Milton (Lyn) Barnes and Derle Barnes; niece, KeAundra Barnes; nephews, DeVonte and Roderick Barnes, Jr.; mother-in-law, Leola Whittington, all of Saginaw , MI; god-parents; many other relatives and friends including special friends, Anthony “Todd” Wilford, Chris Lenore, Zebedee Love, Stanley Quinn, Anthony Richard, Vince Taylor and family; Derell Sheffield, SHS C/O 1985 Alumni, the Hood, Whittington, Wood and Castel families. Mr. Melvin O’Neal Barnes, Jr. was preceded in death by his daughter, MyEsha Barnes; granddaughter, Markeya Hutson; father, Melvin Barnes, Sr.; sister, Dawana Barnes; brother, Roderick Barnes, Sr.; grandparents, Richard and Juanita Smith, Elder William and Willie Mae Barnes; bonus dad, Issac Christmas, Sr.; aunts, Catherine (L.C.) Peoples and Carolyn Smith; uncles, Larry Smith, Oliver Thompson and William “Billy” Barnes; special cousins, Charles Smith II and Toriano Rueda. The family wishes to express special thanks to Covenant Harrison ICU Unit and Evans & Browne’s Funeral Home Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Greater Williams Temple C.O.G.I.C. 608 E. Remington Street, Saginaw, MI 48601. Supt. Arthur L. Aikin, Sr., Pastor and Pastor Mark A. Christmas will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington, Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place on Thursday at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48607 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m.

Mr. Melvin O'Neal Barnes, Jr.

January 8, 1967 - May 17, 2025