Melvin Alvin Harris

Melvin A. Harris, 108, transitioned peacefully in Jeffersonville, Indiana on May 2, 2023. Melvin was born May 27, 1914 in Columbus, Ohio to the late John and Florence (Seward) Harris.

Melvin graduated from Columbus East High School and loved to read.

He read the Holy Bible from cover to cover before he took a trip to the Holy Land. He could tell you all of the U.S. Presidents where they came from and who their wives were. Melvin enjoyed reading about the wars and how they started. He enjoyed fishing and sharing his catch with family and friends. The Columbus Dispatch wrote an article on Melvin as the oldest altar boy serving Mass at St. Dominic Church. He was also interviewed by the Ohio Historical Society for his knowledge about early Columbus on the near eastside. He would spend Saturday afternoons watching The Ohio State Buckeyes football and then converse with someone about the game on Sundays after church. Then he would spend time watching Tiger Woods playing golf, his favorite pro.

Melvin retired from Columbus Auto Parts as a Stationery Engineer and an Assembly man. He worked there over 35 years.

Melvin is survived by Marva Watkins, daughter. He is also survived by many other cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is survived by devoted nieces Bunny Neal and Jo Alexander. He is predeceased by his parents, wives Iunice and Helen; a son Mark; siblings Wayne, Eleanor Woods, and Freda Gilchrist.

His funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Dominic Church, 453 N. 20th Street, Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, May 27, 2023 with Fr. Ramon Owera officiating at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery following church service. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 26 at Newcomer Southwest Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio. Rosary will be said at 5 p.m.