February 16, 1927 – July 7, 2022
Mr. Melvin Loman, Jr. was born on February 16, 1927, in Ozark, AL, to Melvin and Catherine Franklin Loman, Sr. Melvin was called home on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at his daughter, Donna’s home with his family by his side.
Melvin grew up in Ozark, AL with his parents and brother. Melvin graduated from Ozark Colored High School (D. A. Smith School). He received a Bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee University. Melvin was drafted into the Army in WWII and served three years. After being Honorably Discharged from the Army, he decided to further his education with one of his passions. He attended school in Kansas to receive an Electrical Engineering degree, which he used to wire his entire house. Following the completion of the degree, he taught school in Ozark. He moved his family to Albany, GA, in 1958 and began working as a Federal Employee on the Marine Corps Depot of Supplies, Albany, GA. Melvin would further his career and was hired as a U.S. Post Office Mail Carrier for years where he was promoted to supervisor. He remained there for over 40 years until he retired.
Melvin Loman, Jr. and Mary Jean Colvin were united in holy matrimony on August 24, 1949, in Ozark. From that union, they were blessed with four children, Kathy, Melva, Donna, and Michael. Following the birth of their second child, Melvin and Mary moved to Albany to establish a new residence.
At an early age, Melvin was baptized at the Sardis Baptist Church in Ozark. He was very active with his church as he was growing in his faith journey. Upon moving to Albany, GA, he joined Friendship Baptist Church where he was a dedicated member for over 50 plus years. As a devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church, Melvin served as deacon, a member of the finance committee, Sunday School teacher, and a member of the Baptist Training Union. In 2017, he and his wife relocated to Virginia, to reside with Donna they joined Tabernacle Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA.
Melvin’s favorite hobbies included fishing, working in the yard, boating on his various boats, and talking to his grandchildren. As technology evolved Melvin had to have the latest technology, computer, camera, and cell phone. Family being one of his favorite interests prompted him to start researching and learning about family heritage. He would make many trips to explore his family roots. He also researched and established a detailed family tree with pictures, names and places of birth and death. He was the family historian.
His favorite songs include: “In the Garden” and “A String of Pearls”.
Melvin was preceded into death by his “favorite girl” (his wife), Mary Jean Colvin Loman; father, Melvin Loman, Sr.; mother, Catherine Franklin Loman; brother, Willie Clyde Loman; in-laws, Thomas and Flora Colvin; sister-in-law, Florine Colvin; brothers-in-law, Thomas Colvin Jr. and Lewis Evans; and his sister-in-law Alma Colvin.
He leaves to cherish his memories: four children, Kathy Blackwell (Willie) of Atlanta, GA, Melva Chambers (John Jr.) of Greensboro, NC, Donna Wells of Petersburg, VA, and Michael Loman (Edith) of Keansburg, NJ; nine grandchildren, Crystal Blackwell, April Blackwell, John Chambers III (Cynthia), MacKenzie Kennedy (Christopher), Erica Jackson, Don Wells II, Eric Wells, Michael Loman, Jr., and Manolo Loman; six great-grandchildren, Emani Jackson, Logan Jackson, Titus Kennedy, Tobin Kennedy, Tegan Kennedy, and Mina Kennedy; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.