Melvin Carpenter

Melvin Grandville Carpenter, was born on July 16, 1938 in Tyronza, Arkansas, to Luther Jasper (L.J.) and Adell (White) Carpenter. He was the seventh child of ten children. He moved to Michigan after completing his education in the Tyronza school district.  Shortly after moving to Benton Harbor he met and married the love of his life, Mary Anna, affectionally known as “Honey”.

He was self-employed as an Auto Mechanic at Mel’s Auto Reconditioning & Repair Shop for over 40 years. He served the community with pride, always giving all that he could give.  At 740 Pipestone, many cars were repaired, the best selected watermelons, and penny candy was sold to make all that passed through his shop leave happier than when they came in.  Melvin new no strangers.  If he did not recognize someone name, he would then ask “what kind of car did they drive”, then he would know who they were.  Melvin also enjoyed snow plowing in the winter months.

Melvin loved his family dearly. Spending time with his family at the Carpenter family reunions, fish fry and family picnics was his favorite during the summer months.

Melvin made his transition on Saturday, July 6, 2019 surrounded by his family.  He was preceded in death by his parents, L. J. and Adell Carpenter; three sisters: Virgia Hatchett, Bell Verdell Bell, and Aldine Hallie Burns. Six brothers: Cornelius, Luther K., Felix, Luther J. Jr., Archie, and Overtus Carpenter. Sister in-law, Ann Carpenter. Son/brother in-law, Steven Smith; Brother in-laws, Roy Bell and Theophlus Hatchett.

Survivors include his loving wife Mary (his Honey) of 55 years; daughter/sister in-law, Stephanie (Kevin) Robinson of Troy, MI; Granddaughter, Alicia Robinson of Kalamazoo, MI; Grandson, Stephen Robinson of Grand Rapids, MI; Sister In-Law, Blenda of Oak Park, MI; Rubie of Benton Harbor, MI; and Alter Carpenter of Georgia; Brother in-law, William (Jimmie) Tyler of Benton Harbor and Willie Burns of Detroit, MI; Special God-Daughter, Jenelle Clement of Keller, Texas.  “Mel’s” memory will be cherished by a large host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and the Benton Harbor community.

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