Melvin B. Howard was born February 9, 1964 to Charles and Annie Howard. Growing up, Mel attended Werner United Methodist Church, Cleveland Public Schools (graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in 1982), and later The University of Akron.
Mel enlisted into the United States Coast Guard in 1985. He served for 25 years and was very proud to have had the opportunity to travel all across the world visiting every continent except Africa. Mel was honorably discharged on August 31, 2010 (CWOIII, Ret.) Mel continued serving as an operations manager for nutrition and food service with the Veteran’s Affairs Administration until the time of his passing.
Mel was affectionately known as Chef Mel E. Mel because of his love of cooking, especially barbecue. Mel loved to bowl, often participating in several bowling leagues simultaneously. Mel also loved sports, and was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians, and The Ohio State Buckeyes.
In addition to his parents, Mel is survived by his wife, Monica R. Moorer Howard. His children: Jason (Stephanie) Howard, Marcharee Howard, Leigha Howard, and Olivia Jacobs. His grandchildren: JaLeah Howard, Josiah Walton (deceased), Joy King, Orion Howard, Judah McCully, and Janelle King. His siblings: Daryl Howard, Ricky (Racine) Howard, and Nicole Howard. His brother-in-law, Douglas (Shelley) Moorer Sr., and sister-in-law Vanessa Chavis. Special friends: Louis Boone, Marcia Walton, Jeremy Salters, John and Peaches Watkins, Alonzo Payne, and a host of family and friends.