On July 11, 2013, our Lord and Savior came to Chaptico, MD to call and claim his child….

Melvin Lorenzo Coles, Sr. was born August 10, 1936 in Washington, DC to the late Ruth and Kenneth Coles. His four brothers Earl (Randy), William (Slob), Maurice, and Robert (Duck), preceded him in death.

At an early age, he received Christ and joined the Friendship Baptist Church in Washington, DC. After attending DC Public Schools, Melvin served a term in the US Army. After his military term, he met and married Ann Yvonne Slater and from this union two children were born.

Melvin held numerous positions in his life, the most noteworthy are his careers at the Government Printing Office and Federal Home Loan Bank Board, thus retiring after 23 years of service from Student Loan Marketing Association (SallieMae).

Melvin enjoyed spending time with his family vacationing, taking his sons hiking, skiing, and biking trips with his son and grandson, and many trips all over the world with family and close friends. During his retirement, Melvin loved traveling, rooting for his favorite team, The Redskins, watching westerns, war pictures and Las Vegas.

"Big Melvin," as he was affectionately known to many, took great pride in his raising his family and was a devoted husband to his late wife, Ann. He touched the lives of many and left a lasting mark on their hearts. We will truly miss the man with the big smile!

Melvin leaves to his memory: two sons, Melvin Jr. (Angela-Peaches), and Mark; grandson, Melvin III; ten sisters-in-law; six brothers-in-law; God daughter, Tierra Brooks; a special friend, Lucy Curtis and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

His viewing will be held from 10am until time of service, 11am on Friday, July 19, 2013 at Grace United Methodist Church, 11700 Old Fort Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744.

Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, MD.