Melvin Barnes Sr. 64 of Abilene passed away Thursday December 11, 2014 at Graham Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held Tuesday December 16, 2014 at 11am at Galilee Baptist Church with Minister Billy Allen as the Eulogist. Interment will be held Wednesday December 17, 2014 at 2:00pm at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene. Melvin was born in Hamlin TX to the parentage of Elisha and Lee Etta Barnes. The Family moved to Abilene and Melvin attended Carter G. Woodson and graduated in 1968. After high school Melvin worked for Dr. Pepper for several years, then joined the U.S. Army. After spending 5 years in the Army Melvin then joined the U.S. Marine Corps and actively served for 12 years before retiring in Oceanside California. Melvin moved back to Abilene in 1983 and married the love of his life Janice, June 19, 2001. Melvin never met a stranger and was a hero to his family. He loved music, spending time with his family and cooking. Left to cherish his memories is wife Janice Barnes of Abilene, son Melvin Barnes Jr. of Abilene, 2 borthers E.B. Barnes (Ernestine) and A.D. Barnes. 3 sisters, Nannie Lee Barnes, Cora Allen, and Corine Colbert (Nelson). Preceding him in death are both parents, 5 sisters, Etta Jean Terry, Etta V. Jefferson, Mary Ann Johnson, Ola Mae Sloan, and Lorine Landor, and 2 brothers Milton Barnes and Henry Lee Barnes. Services entrusted to Dove Funeral Home. Online Condolences may be made at www.dovefuneralhome.net