Melvin Iliff Graham III, 83, passed from this life, peacefully in his home, on November 22, 2023 after a lengthy struggle with dementia. A celebration of his life will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 1, 2023 at the Friends Chapel Church in Coyle, Oklahoma. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Melvin was born on November 8, 1940 near Coyle, to Garland and Ina Graham, on the rural homestead of his grandparents, Walter and Clara Graham. He grew up, lived, and farmed his entire life within two miles of his birthplace.

Melvin was born into a dairyman's family and began milking cows from age eight. As a child, he along with his sisters, showed many prized and award-winning cattle and hogs. He continued all through school as a loyal 4-H and FFA member in the local chapter and was a faithful supporter of the public-school activities. He attended school in Coyle and after graduating, majored in Animal Husbandry at Northeastern University in Miami, Ok.

Melvin spent his adult life in the dairy barn or on a tractor. He grew wheat, alfalfa, and silage and raised cattle, sheep and hogs. Later in life he became an avid breeder and producer of prize-winning Miniature Hereford cattle, adding to the popularity of the breed to many county and state fairs.

Melvin married Linda Brassfield in August 1964, and together they had a daughter, Javonna, of Boise, ID, and a son Jared, of Coyle. He is additionally survived by five grandchildren, Enoch Graham, Kenan Graham, Isaac Strafuss, Asher Strafuss and Liberty Strafuss and is the great-grandfather of four little girls, Aliyah Grace, Marley Ray, Millie Alayna and Olivia.
Later in life, Melvin married Betty Smithson and added five step-children to his family, Steve, Buddy, Bobby, Kelly, and Mike, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Melvin is survived by two sisters, Virginia Matheson of Stillwater and Wanda Dooley of Davis; his nephews and two nieces, Rodney Matheson, Robin Matheson-Knight, Kyle Shiplett and Sydney Shiplett-Donaho; as well as many cousins and numerous friends of his life-long community.

Melvin was a member of Friends Chapel Church and was an advocate for his community, Pastor and family of faith. He will lovingly be remembered and missed by his family and friends.