Service Friday for Melvin Burris

Melvin Bruce Burris, 71, of Allen, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma surrounded by his loving family. Melvin was born on April 5, 1953 to his mother Sebena Burris in Ada, Oklahoma. He grew up in and around Ada, and graduated from Tupelo High School in 1972 and went on to become a very well known, and well liked man who wore many hats during his lifetime.

After Melvin graduated high school, he proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for twelve years. When he was discharged, Melvin chose to continue his life of servitude and acquired a career within The Chickasaw Nation as a personal body guard for Governor Bill Anoatubby, a position of which Melvin cherished very much. Not only did Melvin protect the Governor of his tribe, he also served as a Chickasaw Legislator for three years and during this time he was able to meet and impact thousands of people’s lives.

Melvin also had his Farrier’s license for many years, and enjoyed spending time outdoors with the horses he tended to, and the people he met along the way. Hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren, creating beautiful handmade First American jewelry, and fashioning baskets out of rope were just a few of Melvin’s favorite things to do in his free time.

He loved to show off his Corvette with his buddy Bobby Sweet at the car shows, and was always in the mood to tell his famous jokes, or dish out a good prank or two. Melvin, most of all, loved, adored and cherished his family. Family gatherings were a special time for Melvin because his job was to nap in the chair while his grandchildren babysat him. He absolutely treasured his brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins and his church family at Crosspointe. Melvin was an amazing dad to his children, and loving and wonderful Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchild, and his legacy will forever live on through the family that he cherished. Melvin is preceded in death by his mother Sebena Burris and his brother Jimbo Burris.

Melvin is survived by his son Adam Burris and wife April of Allen, his son Josh Burris and wife Ashley of Stonewall, and his daughter Amanda Mericle and husband Matthew of Latta; grandchildren Becket and Addison Burris, Emmie Burris, Hunter and Kaden Mericle, and Taylor McCarthy; and one greatgrandchild Cheyenne McCarthy.

A Funeral Service will be held to honor Melvin’s life on Friday, April 19th, at 2:00 PM at Crosspointe Church in Ada with interment to follow at High Hill Cemetery with military honors. There will be visitation the day prior, Thursday, April 18th, at Phillips Funeral Home in Ada from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.