Natalie

Melvin weaves in and out of the many memories accumulated during my more than thirty years in Starkville. 

• My earliest Starkville memories include riding around in the Len-Lew's parking lot on the back of some kind of small motorcycle (mo-ped?) that Melvin was giving people rides on and of seeing Tiffiny as a toddler standing on the bar at the Golden Horn. 
• Then there were the many conversations with Melvin on all kinds of topics when I saw him around town and the tours of old houses he was renovating. 
• With my move to White Drive came many more interactions with Melvin. I always felt good about that neighborhood because I knew that Melvin was watching out for it. 
• I remember the night when I had just gotten back into town and Melvin and Jan knocked on my door to tell me about the ghost that had called 911 while I was gone. 
• I remember learning from Melvin how to get rid of the stumps of fence posts by burning them with charcoal.
• I remember how dashing Melvin looked when he and Lady rode up at Lady and Matt's beautiful outdoor wedding. 

My list of memories could go on and on - including remembering something Jan said to me one time:

"Melvin is not just my husband; he's also my best friend."

What a beautiful relationship they had.

I simply cannot imagine Starkville without Melvin Rhodes!

Natalie