Melvin W. Park

Mel was born October 15, 1947 in Marshalltown, Iowa and was the youngest of his siblings. He is survived by his wife Dr. Mahin May Park, his son Thomas Eduard Darius Park, and his brothers Jerry and Del Park in California.

Mel grew up in E. Palo Alto, California, and graduated from San Jose State University and UC Santa Barbara before getting his PhD in exercise physiology from Washington State University. Later, he went back for his Master of Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in his 40s. He continued working as a scientific instructor for the US Army, writing national standards for fitness training while working for the Department of Defense. He also taught Anatomy and Physiology at Ball State University as an Assistant Professor and Anatomy at Mercer University. Additionally, he was the editor of the CDC flagship publication MMWR before he went on to work for the Veterans Administration.

Mel and Mahin were married for 48 years and both truly loved science and have published some of their joint scientific work together.

Mel will be remembered for his sense of humor, generosity, empathy, love and acceptance of people from all different cultures and nationalities.

Mel loved travel, learning foreign languages, classical music, art, furniture, good food and drink, cooking, cars, making the most of life, and believing in God. He was truly a joy to be around, and a dedicated and generous father and husband with a great sense of humor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Atlanta Community Food Bank in honor of Mel Park.

"When the light is in your heart, you will find your way home."

A celebration of life for Melvin will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Sandy Springs Chapel, 136 Mt Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. A reception will occur Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 136 Mt Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. A committal service will occur Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mt Vernon Hwy NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.