Known to his children as "Pops", Mr. Melvin Anthony Barnes was born on January 29, 1972 to the late Harry Franklin, who preceded him in death and Willene Harris of St. Louis, Missouri.  Melvin was raised by his great grandmother Annie L. Wilson, who preceded him in death.

Melvin received Christ at an early age and was baptized in May 1981 at the Jordan Grove M.B. Church under the leadership of Reverend J.D. Spaggins in Grapeland, Mississippi.

Melvin graduated from Rosedale High School in Rosedale, Mississippi.  He was a member of the class of 1990.  He went on to further his education by attending Mississippi Valley State University, in Itta Bena, Mississippi.

Melvin later found his passion driving trucks.  He loved the Indianapolis Colts, "Go Colts" Yea! Big Blue and White".  Melvin was an advent motorcycle rider.  He loved riding on the open road and cruising on his motorcycle with the road before him and th wind on his face.  He loved the peace that it brought and the feeling of the wind beneath his wings.

Melvin loved to cook!  And boy could he cook!  He also loved sports, riding his motorcycle and babysitting his God-Child Milley.  Most of all he loved his family!

Melvin worked for Warner Enterprise for fifteen years and later worked for Jimmy Sanders, Pinnace Agriculture, and lastly Slim Plot in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Melvin married the love of his life, Geneen and was extremely proud of his children Shay, Nira Tonio, Meme and Monik.

Melvin legacy will be remembered in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him, including his wife Geneen "Curry" Barnes of Mound Bayou, Mississippi; son, Antonio Mason of Mound Bayou, Mississippi; daughters, Meshaliyouna Curry and Antonira Mason of Mound Bayou, Mississippi; Melshaidra Barnes and Sonmonika Moore of Rosedale, Mississippi; mother:  Willene(Fred) of St. Louis, Missouri; mother-in-law:  Joann Curry of Mound Bayou, Mississippi; sisters: Deloris Barnes of Southaven, Mississippi; Cathleen Harris and Joy Bird (Kyle) of St. Louis, Missouri and Pamela Harris of Greenville, Mississippi; brothers:  William Harris (Onica) and Danny Harris of Houston, TX; Fred Harris (Cassandra); and Emmanuel Harris, Sr., of Cape Girardeau, IL; great aunt: Willie M. Cherry of Garland, TX; special God-Child:  Amelia Curry.  A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends will forever cherish his loving memory.