Melvin Bartley Sr.

Melvin Bartley Sr., 73, a native and resident of Morgan City, La., died at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010 at Teche Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Bartley worked for the City of Morgan City for 18 years. As a high school student athlete he achieved recognition in basketball and football, his gridiron statistics catapulted him to do spring training with the renowned late Eddie Robinson at Grambling State University in 1958. He was a deacon, member of the trustee board, and president of the pastor’s aide club at the Mt. Era Baptist Church where he was a member from childhood. Additionally, he was a Masonic Mason having been elected to serve as Worshipful Master for numerous terms. He achieved the rank of 33rd Mason from John Parson Consistory #170.

He is survived by his wife, Gertrude Pittman Bartley; sons, Melvin Jr. and Stephen Bartley; brothers, Herbert and Frank (Janice) Bartley; sisters, Ruby Sanchez, Celia Clark, Audrey (Roland) Merchant, Gloria (Calhoun) Moultrie, Lorraine Bartley and Laura Marshall; brothers-in-law, Lawrence Martin and John (Brenda) Pittman; sisters-in-law, Brenda Bartley and Dinah Shore Pittman; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Hazel Smith Bartley; one daughter, Zingara Lynn Bartley; one brother, Huey Leonard Bartley; and two sisters, Jacqueline Bartley and Melinda Martin.

He is buried at Morgan City Cemetery.

(Jones Funeral Home)