Melvin was born number nine of 15 children to the late Iraand Lyric Chester in Overton, Smith County, TX on June 1,1948. He was a 1966 graduate of Arp Industrial High School. He was drafted in the U.S. Army, where he served honorably from 1968-69. He was a recipient of 2 purple hearts, the leadership & valor awards. On February 26, 1971, he married JoAnn Young. To this union 2 children, Melvin L. and Korsha J. Chester were born. Melvin graduated from TJC while working at Trane Co, where he retired in 2010 & pursued his love for dominoes, fishing and hunting. His love for fishing earned him the nickname "Catfish" Melvin was a faithful member of North Star Missionary Baptist Church where he was a member of the male chorus until his health failed. He was preceded in death by all grandparents, both parents, 3 sisters and 3 brothers, a host of in-laws, all aunts and uncles, & 4 nephews. He leaves to cherish beautiful memories are, his wife, son & daughter-in-law, daughter, and his BELOVED granddaughter & 2 grandson, 8 siblings and a host of other relatives and friends. Melvin departed this life peacefully on March 6, 2026.