Melvin Pack

Melvin Pack was born January 23, 1939, in Bunch, OK to John Pack and Anna Mae (Norvell) Pack. He grew up and attended school in Dry Creek, OK. Melvin worked for Green Leaf Nursery, as a field hand, from a very early age, and continued there for seventeen and a half years. In his early years, Melvin found other ways to make money. He was a “Jack of all Trades.” You could often find him at the local cock fights, and if he was playing pool or dice you could guarantee there was money on the table. He was also a well know bootlegger and had the best “Still in the Hills of Cherokee County” alongside being one of the best horse traders in the area. He also served as the president of the school board at Tenkiller Public Schools for a term of four years, and later in life he retired from Northeastern State University where he worked as a janitor for thirty-three years.

On this day, December 8th, 1959, in Hungry Mountain, Oklahoma Melvin married the love of his life and best companion Billie (Monholland) Pack. Melvin was a provider, loving father, and cared for his family very much. He was stubborn as a mule and had a heart as big as the sky. Some would say, Melvin was a little hot under the collar and sure didn’t appreciate sarcasm. As many know he was a social butterfly that had never met a stranger. He was a man that would and could strike up a conversation with anyone about anyone and anything. He enjoyed making others feel welcomed and loved. His favorite color was a great representation of him, being that blue symbolizes serenity, stability, inspiration, and wisdom. As an example of his kind and beautiful heart he made it a point to eat lunch with his mother every day on his lunch break when he worked at NSU. Melvin was a friend to all animals and was particularly fond of his pet squirrel and baby raccoon. He was also very affectionate towards his numerous dogs and enjoyed spending time with them outside. Although he did enjoy the thrill of deer hunting or poaching depending on the season. On a perfect day you could find him drinking a cold one and setting outside with his dogs and listening to old country and western classics like George Jones and Tammy Wynette. In his prime, Melvin was rather good square dancer, and even acted as a square dance caller for social gatherings. He was a “One of a Kind” man that was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. Melvin had a neighbor, Jim Robinson that was the best neighbor and friend for several years.

Although he may have left this earthly realm on October 7th, 2024, surrounded by family, his legacy will live on in the hearts of all that knew and loved him. He is home now with the love of his life, Billie (Monholland) Pack, his parents John Pack and Anna Mae (Norvell) Perry, his son, Charles Lee Pack, his daughter, Susie Pack, along with his three brothers and two sisters.

Those left to carry on his legacy include his daughters, Kathy Dillon of Macomb, OK, Joyce Matlock of Park Hill, OK, Nancy Hamilton of Stillwell, OK, and Donna Matlock of Welling, OK, one sister, Sue Deckard of Tahlequah, OK, fourteen grandchildren, Spencer Pack, Aaron Hamilton, Jessica Matlock, Melvin Jordan, Stephanie Durbin, Jennifer Acuff, Ryan Hamilton, Troy Matlock, Elizabeth Jordan, Megan Young, Jason Matlock, Manda Taylor, Mikey Young, Kelsey Dillon, twenty-six great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

A visitation for Melvin will be held Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home, 117 West Delaware Street, Tahlequah, Oklahoma. A funeral service will occur Friday, October 11, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home.

Melvin will be laid to rest in Barber Cemetery, Welling, Oklahoma.

Serving as pallbearers are Mikey Young, Preston Hamilton, Melvin Jordan, Jerry Girdner, Spencer Pack, Clint Mattherson, Ryan Hamilton, Aaron Hamilton and Troy Matlock.