Melvin Augustus Kinnison
Feb. 19, 1938 ~ June 23, 2026
Melvin Augustus Kinnison, a dedicated community leader, businessman, and servant of others, died on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at sunrise, surrounded by the loving care of his family and the Century Tree Assisted Living team in Littlefield, Texas; leaving behind a legacy of generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people of Seminole and Gaines County.
Born on February 19, 1938, in Lamesa, Texas to Raymond Melton Kinnison and Ruby Lucille Jackson Kinnison, Melvin graduated from Seagraves High School in 1956. He attended Paris Junior College on a basketball scholarship before beginning a career marked by hard work and service. With a company career that spanned 40 years in Seagraves, Slaton, Lubbock, and Springlake-Earth, Melvin was the regional manager of Southwestern Public Service Company in Seminole where he earned the respect of colleagues and community members alike through his professionalism and willingness to help others.
Melvin was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army which he served from 1961-1963 at the invitation of Uncle Sam, being stationed in Williamsburg, Virginia, ferrying large cranes and other heavy equipment to Guantanamo Bay during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Melvin coached boys and girls Little Dribblers teams, served as an official for junior varsity and varsity basketball games for 25 years and football games for 15 years, served in the Slaton and Earth Lions Clubs, and was selected as Man of the Year in Earth in 1980.
Melvin was widely recognized for his contributions to the Seminole community. In recognition of his selfless dedication and civic involvement, he was named Seminole's "Citizen of the Year" by the Seminole Area Chamber of Commerce. Those who nominated him described him as a rare individual who never waited to be asked for help. Instead, he was often the first to volunteer, asking, "Can I help? What do you want me to do?" His impact was felt throughout the community. He played a key role in securing and renovating the historic jail building that became the Chamber of Commerce office. He generously contributed his time, equipment, and personnel to numerous community projects, including annual Chamber banquets and civic improvement efforts.
Melvin's leadership extended to many organizations. He served on the Seminole Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from 1987 to 1989, including a term as president, and later continued serving as a director and chief's president. He was a devoted member of the Seminole Rotary Club for more than a decade, serving as both director and president. His civic involvement also included service on the Gaines County Golf Board, the Industrial Foundation Board, the Salvation Army, the Seminole Junior High School site-based decision-making committee, and as chairman of the Gaines County Historical Fair.
A proud Mason, Melvin attained the rank of 32nd Degree Mason and was known throughout the community as a man of integrity, compassion, and service. He was also a faithful member of the South Seminole Baptist Church where he served as church treasurer and as a member of the personnel committee for several years.
Melvin will be remembered not only for the offices he held, but for the countless acts of kindness, generosity, and leadership that enriched the lives of those around him. His example of service above self continues to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy of community involvement, civic pride, and dedication to helping others. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Seminole community.
Of all his service to the community, his heart was always overflowing with love and joy for his family. He married Jessie Lou Hobbs on August 15, 1959, and she preceded him in death on December 6, 2021. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-love, Shane and Stephanie Kinnison; his daughter and son-in-love, Shawnda and Joe Martin; his four grandsons and their loves: Christopher and Kaitlyn Martin, Shelden and Claudia Kinnison; Cannon and Chloe Martin; and Stetson and Bailey Kinnison; and his nine greatgrandchildren: Priscilla Kinnison, Easton Martin, Lyla Kinnison, Cingslee Martin, Reid Kinnison, Addison Martin, Brayden Martin, Boone Martin, and Suzanna Kinnison.
The family expresses their deepest thanks to Crystal Davis, Director, and her team of caregivers at Century Tree Assisted Living in Littlefield, Texas for the unwavering dedication of love and quality care they provided to our Dad and Papa when he needed it the most.