Melvin E. Austin Sr.

Melvin E.Austin Sr

June 30, 1947 – March 23, 2025

US Army 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles

Melvin passed away peacefully in Gulfport, MS. He was a Sargent in the US Army and proudly served the USA in the Vietnam war. Melvin was a resident of Poplarville, MS and he retired from being a contractor for over 30 years. He helped to build a lot of homes on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. When he wasn’t doing construction, you could find him in his shed where he enjoyed doing woodworking. He also enjoyed farming, fishing, hunting, and spending time with family and friends. Melvin always had a story to tell and loved making people laugh. He was a kind and loving man who will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Melvin is preceded in death by parents Richard and Hazel Austin, his wife Joann Austin, former wife Mary Austin, his sister, Brenda Austin, Bernadette Cuevas, and his brother Joey Austin. He is survived by his fiancée Lawanna Luke, sons Melvin E. Austin Jr., Rickey Austin (Via), his brothers Charles Austin, Ray Austin (Elizabeth), and Billy Austin, his sisters Marie Aultman, Mary Taft, Joann Hyatt, Linda Austin, and Margaret Austin, his grandchildren Rebbecca Austin, Brittney Austin, Kandace Morgan (Jonah); his great grandson Abel Morgan, great granddaughter Ava Austin; his many, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Memorial Hospital Gulfport and St. Joseph Hospice Care. They showed great care, respect, and comfort to the family.

Graveside service with military honors will take place on Tuesday April 1, 2025 at 11:00 am at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi, is honored to serve the Austin family.