Melbourne Allen Stebbins

We went back a long time. I worked with Mel at WJIM TV in Lansing when we were both so young we thought we'd never get old. He was smart, professional, and just loved to laugh. I'm sorry he's gone. The world was a better place with him in it.

My gosh! Gone? I just saw him at church a few weeks ago and he looked great as usual. Mel was always kind,open and engaging. Never was he inaccessible. Though he was chief of the most storied TV station in SC, he was just a humble, gentle man. I always enjoyed talking with him and always felt his friendship, even though we met as a business relationship.

I am glad to have known him. He will be missed.

I just heard about Mel's passing. Sorry for your loss Kathy and all the Stebbins family. I recently reconnected with Mel. We had gone to Ionia High together. I was hoping to see him at the induction of the undefeated 1958 football team, which he was a member of, into Ionia's Athletic Hall of Fame this September.
He was always a fun loving guy in school. He will be missed. RIP Mel.
Gary Swinehart

For Kathy & Mel's family, my deepest condolences!

I came to know Mel well and to hold him in high regard during your time in Toledo. I greatly admired Mel from my many associations with him through work and the Naval Reserve. He was a gentleman and gentle man, who led others well, firmly but gently, to my observations. I came to consider him a good & trusted friend, because we enjoyed many good times together, dealing with legal issues at WTOL, playing golf together or just telling sea stories. Mel treated everyone cordially and kindly. He was a person of great integrity. He was devoted to community service, getting good things done and he accomplished things with a wry sense of humor and infectious chuckle. He was always a pleasure to be with, to learn from and to confide in.
Mel will be long-remembered in Toledo and sorely missed by his many friends here.

For Mel, Fair Winds & Following Seas!
Tom Pletz

I'll forever be grateful to Mel for his leadership at WIS. This TV station has been my home for more than 20 years and much of what we are today is from the foundation Mel continued to fortify while at the helm and even in his retirement. And what a fun, gracious, and beautiful "first lady" Kathy was to many of us at WIS.

Mel was a kind and gentle person who seemed to have never met a stranger. Our prayers are with Kathy and family.
Ron and Karen Long

Mel was a great GM for WIS, widely respected in the community and a man who stuck up for his employees. My heart goes out to Kathy and the rest of the Stebbins family.

I am sorry for your loss, Kathy. I will always remember playing rounds of golf (while we solved the world's problems) with Mel.

I only got to know Mel in the last two years since moving to Columbia to "take Mel's chair" as the new GM of WIS. Mel quickly reached out to me and was a strong voice of reason. He made a lasting mark with me by showing up at the station during the aftermath of the flood to help us out. Mel's impact on WIS and the Columbia community is legendary. Maureen and I send our best wishes to Kathy and Mel's family.

Mel, you were a good friend and Golf buddy at Inverness when you lived in Toledo. You will be missed. Jim Edmunds 2003 the Bluffs Toledo, Oh 43615

Arlene and I were so saddened to learn of Mel's passing. Though it's been more than 30 years since we worked together in Toledo, Mel was one of those great people--a gentleman and friend--you never forget. Our profoundest sympathies to his family.

We lost a good man, but we keep forever the memories of his integrity and grace. Mel set high standards and lived up to them.

Carole and Mark Lett, Columbia SC

Hey MelMan!
Well, you now know the answers to all those questions we ponder at our Monday morning Religion gatherings. We missed you today and will be missing you on the golf course in the future. Pray for us here on Earth as we want to see you again in Heaven.
Gene Middendorf

Deeply saddened to hear about Mel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Susan and Alan Brill

Mel was an outstanding supporter of education, especially early childhood. He was instrumental in the evolution of the Midlands Reading Consortium, in particular, and an avid supporter of the United Way of the Midlands in general. We shared a love of early rock & role and beach music. Thanks, Mel, for all you have done!!!

Sorry for your loss. Mel was a great person. Thinking of you and your family.

Fair winds and following seas, shipmate!

Mel will be missed by many. He was a good man.

The Entire Stebbins Family:
May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in his well-deserved peace. May an all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful, all-forgiving God wrap him in his strong arms and hold him next to his tender breast for all eternity. My prayers are with you.

To Kathy and the Stebbins family,

I worked for Mr. Stebbins @WIS. I send you prayers of peace and comfort during this incredible time of loss.

May the Lord lift you up and carry you on eagles wings, until you are able to walk on solid ground.

Love in Christ,

Angie WIngard

Mel served in our U.S. Naval Reserve Unit for several years. He was a fine Naval Officer with a unique sense of duty to his Country and to the Navy. He served with Honor and Distinction during his tour with us. His finely tuned sense of humor and wit made him a joy to serve with during the years he was here., Sheldon M. Rosen, Captain USNR-R.

The loss is unmeasurable but so is the love left behind. My dearest friend Kathy- thank you for bringing Mel into our life and circle of friends.

It was a great pleasure to work with Mel and to get to know Kathy as we traveled together in our years together at Liberty/Cosmos. I have many great memories of Mel and will hold on tightly to those thoughts. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and the other members of the Stebbins family.
Leon and Kathy Long, Long Beach, MS.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and the Stebbins family. Mel fought a good fight. He will be missed but his legacy will live on. He accomplished a lot and was a great man.

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May the wonderful treasures of your beloved Melbourne Stebbins fill your hearts with love and support of family and friends. Isaiah 57:15

My thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with Mel's family.

I had the privilege of working with him when he was on our Junior Achievement Board of Directors. He was an outstanding volunteer.