Gene Melvin Stanford

Melvin was born September 14, 193, in Houston, Texas to Berlon W. and Virginia Stanford. He also lived in Livingston, Texas before graduating from Crosby High School. Melvin entered the United States Army in 1952 (during the Korean War) and was honorably discharged in 1954. Promptly after his discharge, Melvin married Jessie Louise Heuszel in October 1954 at Harbor Baptist Church on the east side of Houston, where he served the Lord for many years. At Harbor Baptist, Melvin led music while Jessie played the organ (and later daughter Terri played the piano). He was ordained and served as a deacon there, too. He served the Lord faithfully at FBC Jacinto City, FBC Conroe, and Kingwood’s First Baptist Church. He worked at Southern Pacific Railroad and at the City of Houston, from which he retired, after more than 30 years of service as Operations Manager for the HPD Data Center.

Melvin and Jessie were original homeowners in the Jacinto Oaks subdivision where they raised their three children: Terri, Melanie, and Kevin. Melvin coached and served on the Board of Directors for Jacinto City Little League. Many of his favorite times were family vacations with his kids (and later with his grandkids). Melvin was also an expert “do-it-yourselfer”. He loved to tinker with just about anything – especially if it involved electronics. And if you were up for a game of dominoes, you were instantly Melvin’s best friend (even if he didn’t win!). After his retirement, Melvin and Jessie moved to Panorama Village and continued their service to the Lord and their family. In 2016, Melvin and Jessie moved to Kingwood, where he lived until his passing.

Melvin is preceded in death by his wife Jessie Louise Stanford, his father Berlon Stanford, his mother Virginia Summers, and stepfather Charlie Summers as well as a sister, Jelene Lamb. Melvin is survived by daughter Terri Howard (husband Mark), daughter Melanie Bryant (husband Joel) and a son, Kevin Stanford. Melvin is also survived by six grandchildren: Melissa Howard Melnyk (husband Walt), Jeremy Howard (wife Kristin), Kyle Bryant (wife Sammie), Kristen Bryant, Kelli Bryant Moore (husband Clint), and Rebecca Bryant-Johnson (husband Ethan); and nine great-grandchildren: Katie Melnyk, Colton Melnyk, Brooklyn Howard, William Howard, Deacon Bryant, Amelia Bryant, Cohen Bryant, Emma Moore, and Aleia Moore.

A visitation for Gene will be held Thursday, February 9, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Kingwood First Baptist Church, 3500 Woodland Hills Dr, Kingwood, TX 77339. A funeral service will occur Thursday, February 9, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Kingwood Baptist Church, 3500 Woodland Hills Dr, Kingwood, TX 77339. A committal service will occur Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Forest Park - The Woodlands Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkthewoodlands.com for the Stanford family.