Melvin Smalls, Sr. was born in Detroit, Michigan April 28, 1929, to Robert and Hattie Smalls.  Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Wilford Bruce, a sister, Jacqueline Smalls Jones, his first wife, Doris Audrey Smalls, his second wife, Betty Jean Smalls, a son, Melvin Smalls, Jr., a daughter, Trena M. Carter, a nephew, David Jones, two nieces, Donna Jones Ross and Brenda Jones.

Melvin attended elementary and high school and during his high school years in the evening, he started working as a paper router throwing papers in the yards.  Soon after completing high school, he was drafted in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged after serving from August 21, 1952 to August 7, 1954.  During this time he had met his first wife, Doris Audrey Smalls.  Three children were born to this union.  Later in life Doris passed away.

Melvin worked for the KCMO Public School Board until he retired.  Later in life he worked with the Foster Grandparents with The Operation Breakthrough Daycare Center until his health began to slow him down; the children loved Mr. Smalls.

Melvin joined Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor I. H. Henderson Jr.  He was a dedicated member for over 65 years.  He worked and served in many ministries of the church including, District areas, WMU, Usher Board President with many people in St. Louis, MO.

In 1990, Melvin and his second wife, Betty Jean Smalls joined hands in marriage, until 1997. Melvin was in poor health from 2015, until his passing on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at home with his family by his side.

He is survived by: his daughter, Teri A (Freddie) Jackson of KCMO; one brother, Robert Smalls of San Francisco, CA; two grandsons, Malcom Jackson, and Marcus Jackson both of KCMO; 2 granddaughters, Sheri Ann Hartley of Orlando, FL and Candice Carter of KCMO; four great-grandchildren, Olivia Hardley, Erica Hardley, Drake Brown and Heaven Brown of Orlando, FL and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

Services for Mr. Smalls were held Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Friendship Baptist Church.  Burial Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.