Racine – Melvin T. Bumpus, Sr., 67, received the promise of eternal life on Monday, June 11, 2012. He was born in Paducah, KY, on August 2, 1944, son of the late Thomas Lee and Susie Elizabeth (nee: Owens) Bumpus.
Melvin received his education from Max S. Hayes Vocational School in Cleveland, OH. He proudly and faithfully served his country with the U.S. Army. Melvin was united in marriage in Racine on January 28, 1983, to Elvira (nee: Hamilton) Bumpus. He worked as a hammer man for Walker-Forge, Inc. from 1967 until 1994. Melvin then worked for Ross’s Construction until he retired in 1997.
Melvin was an avid NASCAR fan and loved to watch the races. He was a member of the High Rollers Motorcycle Club. Melvin was a Budweiser man and enjoyed cooking on the grill. He was the life of the party, loved music, and was always the one to make people laugh or smile. Melvin’s greatest love was for his family and grandchildren who will miss him dearly.
Melvin leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Elvira Bumpus of Racine; children, Melvin (LaTasha) Bumpus, Jr., Perry Witherspoon, Candace Bumpus, Daryl (Lucy) Hawkins, Karen Hawkins, Starlynn (Guy) Daley, all of Racine; 24 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Angeline Prescott of Milwaukee, Thomas (Tammy) Bumpus, Mary Jo Williams, both of Racine, Ralph (Norma) Bumpus of Twinsburg, OH, Mary (Charles) Houston, Asentha Bell, Alfonso Bumpus, all of Nashville, TN, James Bumpus, Jr. of Colorado Springs, CO, Charlotte (Bobby) Green of Menomonee Falls; best friend, Howard Bruce of Cleveland, OH; and other dear relatives and friends too numerous to mention. In addition to his parents, Melvin is preceded in death by his second parents, James (Pearl) Bumpus; son, Bruce Hawkins; brother, Willie Knight; grandchildren, LaDarris Hawkins, Alivia Hawkins, and Melvin T. Bumpus III.
A homegoing celebration for Melvin will take place on Friday, June 15, 2012, 11am, at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1123 Center Street, with Rev. Melvin D. Hargrove officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday, June 14, 2012, 4pm until 7pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, and again at church on Friday from 10am until the time of the service. Interment will take place on Monday, June 18, 2012, 10am, at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. Procession to the cemetery will leave from the funeral home on Monday at 9am.
Rev. Della Buckley says
May God grace be with the family during this time of bevearment….R.I.P. Melvin.
Gloria Thomas says
Leoni,Mary Jo, and Frank: I’m am so sorry about Melvin. You all are in my prayers. God Bless
Christine Golden says
The entire Golden family would like to send their deepest sympathy with the loss of your loved one. we will keep you all in our prayers.
Patricia Thomas says
To the entire Family. Though your hearts maybe heavy, I can tell you that in time the Lord will bless you with grace and peace. Only the best of times will remain. I will keep you in my prayers.