Melvin Douglas House, Sr.

Melvin Douglas House, Sr. passed away following a short illness in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 78 years, two months and four days.

Mel was born on January 7, 1938, in Osage, Oklahoma. He was the son of Mack and Melissa Clark (Butler) House. As a young man Mel was raised in Osage and later moved with his family to California. Mel later returned with his family to Osage where he graduated high school. Shortly after high school Mel returned to California and gained employment at a local car dealership. On November 12, 1965, Mel was united in marriage to Linda Gayle Tucker. Mel later accepted employment with Household Finance Company. He also worked at Crocker Financial before gaining employment with the Bank of Fresno. Mel and Linda later moved to Cleveland in 1982, when he accepted a position with Cleveland Bank. During this time Mel also returned to school at Southern Methodist University to further his education. Mel remained working at Cleveland Bank where he was the vice president until the early 1990’s. Mel then began working for Resolution Trust Corp as well as FDIC for a short time. He then began working at Community Bank and Trust and later Superior Bank and Trust. Mel remained with Superior for several years Mel retired in 2004, when Arvest Bank purchased the operation.

Mel enjoyed fishing, camping and being outdoors. He also had a passion for racing as well as a special place in his heart for cars. Mel was a very jovial, fun loving and very witty. He was very much a jokester and loved pulling practical jokes. Mel always had a smile on his face and enjoyed making people laugh.

Survivors are his loving wife Linda of the home, one daughter Tami Elaine Burman and her husband Michael of Tehachapi, California; step daughter Darla Reta and her husband Mark of Fresno, California; seven grandchildren Brandon Burman, Janet Burman, Hope Decker, Doug Reta, Ryan Reta, Nick Reta, Josh Reta; ten great grandchildren Reagan, Jill, Landon, Madelyn, Penelope, Corine, Victoria, Camden, Sarah, Ashley and a host of other relatives and friends. Mel was preceded in death by his parents and a son Melvin Douglas House, Jr.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 16, 2016, with Gene Black officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Friends may post a memory about Mel online at www.chapman-black.com.