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Melvin Gaines Obituary
Melvin
Melvin Gaines, 60, transitioned on Friday January 11, 2013.
Melvin leaves to mourn his wife, Toni; sons, Melvin Jr. and Jamel; mother, Christine (Roosevelt) Crenshaw; 2 brothers; 4 sisters; 7 grandchildren, and a host of loved ones and friends.
Services will be held Thursday, January 17, 2013, at 6 p.m., preceded by a 5 p.m. Wake, at Friendship Baptist Church, 5301 Nebraska Ave.
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Memories and Condolences
for Melvin Gaines
Frederick Henry
January 11, 2025
Missing you my Brother. Love you even in your physical absence. Stone.
Ken Oehlers
January 17, 2021
I am sorry that I did not know of MEL passing away. For the times I knew Mel, my life was always uplifted. He touched many, many people by his presence here on earth. He was "a shining light" in a world that needs Light. Sincerely.
Kerry Rabbitt
October 10, 2013
I was listening to Yolanda adams, that name. And was thinking about my dad and some of the people I met through him. My dad Mike Rabbitt was a deputy sheriff in Toledo. I trusted Melvin 100% he had my back in prayer as well as my dad and family. My dad also went home to be with Jesus. I just read today that Melvin is with the Lord. I am so sad. Knowing so many people I love are gone. I know they are in a better place. MELVIN you are the best. I knew you loved Jesus by the way you smiled and loved everyone. I will miss you. See you in heaven.
DAVID CAVANAUGH
March 31, 2013
DAVID CAVANAUGH MY HEART IS WITH THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. HE WAS MY FRIEND.
January 30, 2013
Toni, I don't have the words to express my sorrow for the loss of your husband. Mel was a friend whom I admired and was proud of for all he accomplished in life. To loose a spouse is absolutely the greatest burden one can encounter. Trust that the lord will pull you through.
Donnie Haynes, class of 70.
Andrea Ogden
January 28, 2013
Sorry for your loss...you will always be remembered for your love of family and football performance. Youwill be missed by all. R.I.P.
Ken Oehlers
January 25, 2013
Melvin, I thank the Lord that you and I had a chance to talk on the phone just prior to Christmas. What a man of God you were and still are forever. You made a lasting impression on me as we talked about the Lord. Toni, my condolences to you and your family. May the Lord be with during these days ahead.
David Winston
January 24, 2013
I will keep the family in prayer.
Deborah Duncan Armstead
January 22, 2013
Toni & The Family of Melvin,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Melvin. But my spirit rejoices in knowing He was spiritually ready to transition home. In your grief know that joy will come again as you trust a "Faithful God". Praying for you fervently.
Carol Smith
January 20, 2013
To the Gaines family:
Melvin Gaines was a friend from our high school Days. Even though our paths have not crossed in many years, I remember him fondly. My brother Craig and I send our condolences to you for the loss of one very special guy!
January 20, 2013
To the Gaines family,God needed an angel,in his perfect garden.melvin was a hero to all of us.Best I ever saw in sports.And the good thing about it is ,you will see him again,he only went home to be with the FATHER.to prepare a place,for u.Peace and love.:) Dewayne Darrington
Richard Greenlee
January 19, 2013
I send my deepest condolence with my healing prayers to the Gaines Family. Mel will be missed. Rest In Peace my brother.
Peggy Hollie-Harris
January 19, 2013
You are in my prayers during this time of loss and Homegoing.
Ivory Jackson
January 19, 2013
He was ahead of his time as an athlete and I loved playing with him at a young age....and against him in HIgh SChool....CHris, my heart goes out to you and the family. May God bless you.
Gloria Wakefield
January 19, 2013
Sorry for the loss of your loved one. Melvin was a friend of mine and I'll always remember that smile he had on his face all the time. Rest in peace Melvin.
Michelle Coon
January 19, 2013
The tiger roared, then was silent. Your work on earth is complete; you were Jesus with skin on. The fruit of your labor is known as heaven welcomes you with loving arms. Thank you for all you did and the legacy you left for others to follow.
Many prayers to Toni and the family.
Andrea Stengel
January 18, 2013
A Tiger through and through. What an accomplished athlete and a very sweet man. Those are my memories of Melvin Gaines....Glad you found the program....
CORA HOOKS
January 18, 2013
TO THE FAMILY OF MELVIN GAINES.DEAR GOD, LET ME NOT BR AFRAID OF THAT WHICH I DO NOT KNOW KNOW, FOR EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO MORROW HOLDS, I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW.GOD BLESS THE GAINES FAMILY.I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF MELVIN GAINES PASSING. GOD BLESS, CORA HOOKS
Gerald Taylor
January 18, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Gaines family. I've known Melvins family from the 400 block of Pinewood. His mother and stepfather have been friends for many years, so I extend to them my prayers and blessings.
Ronnie and Patti Hands
January 18, 2013
Toni, we would like to express our deepest condolences. Melvin was a very special man. May God give you comfort and His everlasting Peace.
Mark Stender
January 18, 2013
Remembering a fellow Nathan Hale student.
Antoinette "Twine" Chapman
January 18, 2013
GOD bless the Gaines family and his beautiful wife Toni. Sorry to here about your loss. Melvin will truly be missed but never forgotten. GOD will see you through these difficult days ahead. Stay Strong! Love, Twine
Dennard Jackson
January 18, 2013
May the good Lord provide you and your family with peace love and pleasent memories in the lost of your love one.
Julie Shufelt-Kanthak
January 18, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go to Melvin many family and friends. Those lives he touched so dearly. I only knew Melvin short time. I was so glad I hired Melvin to see he was a ear to many at work.
Penny Rivers
January 18, 2013
"Toni,my prayers are with you and your family my God bless and keep you as your mind is stayed on Him" your friend.
Rick Kimble
January 18, 2013
2 outs down a run to Churchills, last inning. I hit a single, Mel drills a triple to the fence tying the score, Randy Burns knocks Mel in for the winning run. One of many memories of Melvin, a gifted athlete and a friend. RIP
Marie Prowell - Parker
January 18, 2013
Toni, Gaines Family & Crenshaw Families;
God's peace be with you, we love you and keep you in our prayers.
Lisha Washington
January 18, 2013
May God's love, peace, and comfort rest upon each of you during this time of transition!
tina addie/reynolds
January 18, 2013
So sorry to here of ur loss, Melvin was a unique guy. He bought our first house from us,he was so excited as we were. When we bought it. He Will be missed. Love Tina(Addie) @ Limmie. Reynolds
Ronald H. Shabazz
January 18, 2013
May the Peace and Blessings of Almighty God be with you Toni and all the Gaines family.
January 18, 2013
Toni,
My sympathy to you and your family.
Be Blessed
Deborah
Class of '72
George, Rufus and Janet Smith
January 17, 2013
To the family and friends of Melvin Gaines it is with deep compassion in which we sense your loss. May the peace of God comfort your hearts.
Stephanie Jackson
January 17, 2013
My dearest cousin, you are at peace. Toni; Melvin's children; Aunt Christine/Uncle Doe and my lovely cousins , I humbly send my condolences. LOVE You All , sincerely, your niece/cousin, Stephanie white-Jackson, San Antonio, Texas
Angela (Gibson) Walton
January 17, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring comfort.
DHS '70
January 17, 2013
To the famalies of Melvin Gaines I send condolences and my thoughts and prays are with you.
Sharon Roach
GEORGE HICKS
January 17, 2013
TO TONI SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Johnny & Karen Morton
January 17, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to your family in this very difficult time...May God hold and keep you in his arms...
January 17, 2013
To Mrs. Crenshaw and family please accept our sincere condolences during your time berevement.
God Bless
Charles Galloway and family
Alvin Mitchell
January 17, 2013
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the gaines family.
~Alvin mitchell~(bester)
Dennis Hartman
January 17, 2013
May the Lord of Life bring you comfort and peace in your sorrow. I remember Mel fondly from DHS days. - Denny Hartman '68
D.C. Spieg
January 17, 2013
Greetings,
Sorry to hear of Mel's passing. he is the fourth member to the U.T. football team that has died.
I am glad he was able to make lemonade out of lemons.
May he rest in peace.
Linda (Williams) Greer
January 17, 2013
Toni, Sorry for your lost. My prayers are with you.
Robert Jr., Linnette and, Robert III Fletcher
January 17, 2013
To Toni, Gaines and Crenshaw family. Our prayers and condolence goes out to you.
Tina Gordon and Family
January 17, 2013
To The Gaines Family, our prayers are with you all during this time of bereavement. Much love~
Kelly Martinez
January 17, 2013
What a beautiful picture of Melvin's smile. I can see him in his blue scrubs walking down St. Charles hallways with that great smile. Now you can finish all those conversations with my dad in a better place! I pray God gives your family strength during this difficult time.
Kelly Martinez
Linda Boyd-Reese
January 17, 2013
Dear Family Members,
I have not seen my old school mate in many years even though I still lived in Toledo but I remember he was a nice guy when we were at DeVilbiss High School and in our neighborhood. May God give you all what you need when you need it now and later. It was an interesting story of his life which may have helped others which is a good thing.
Floyd Boatman sr
January 17, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 17, 2013
To Toni and the Gaines family, may God be a comfort to you in this hour! Mel will surely be missed. Love, John and Dana Hueston.
Shayla
January 17, 2013
PawPaw I am going to truely miss you. I will never forget the times when I was little every winter you would take me out in the snow and make snowmen snow angels with me because my mom didn't like going out in the cold. I will also miss the sleepovers that me and my cousins had over you and Toni house. Rest in heaven Paw Paw.
Love Shayla T.
Beverly & Dale Barnhill
January 17, 2013
To my friend, Toni Battle-Gaines, and to the Gaines/Crenshaw family...Only God knows why..."God's will be done"...not easy to say or accept...but,in the midst of His will, be comforted and be encouraged by the many fond memories and kind words. God will bring you to a place of perfect peace and there will be glory, after this! Praise him!
January 17, 2013
To Toni and the entire family, remember the Lord is with you always and able to strengthen you and keep you during this time of sorrow. Remain blessed.
Pearlene Jackson Bowman
January 17, 2013
To the Gaines Family, I was very fortunate to be able to play football with Melvin at DHS. He was the best . May he rest in peace. Doug Kennedy
Thurston Bilal
January 17, 2013
My prayers and condolence's go out to my sister and Melvin's entire family, His is greatly missed and loved by all how knew him. His spirit was always positive, May he rest in peace
Jewell Rollen
January 17, 2013
Mel,May you always Rest In Paradise My Brother! Toni, my Deepest Condolences to you and the family. God Bless!
Mary Warholy-Ruther
January 17, 2013
Toni and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We know wonderful stories of you, Melvin and your love for each other. Please know our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please let us know if you need anything at all. God be with you and your entire family.
January 17, 2013
My condolence to you on your loss of your husband, Melvin.
I will continue to lift you up in prayer.
Marcella
James Ham
January 17, 2013
To Toni and the Gaines Family:
Marie and I send prayers of comfort to you and your family
Kirk Heidelberg
January 17, 2013
I was in 7th grade at Hamilton grade school, and i saw him play basketball for Devilbiss vs Woodward , he was a very good player ,Toledo Woodward and himself had so many great players go to U Toledo , what a great athlete , he would of set many records at UT for Punt Returns , Kick Off Returns.. He was amazing to watch in football ..One of the best from Toledo to play .
MEDIE HICKS
January 17, 2013
With heart felt sympathy to the entire Gaines family at your loss. Know that he is in good hands now and as always.
January 17, 2013
We get to see --again-- all those we loved and respected. "See you on the other side, Mel." My blessings and prayers to Toni and the rest of Mel's family.
John Scott
Pam Frazier
January 17, 2013
May God comfort you all during this time and give you His peace. Melvin will never be forgotten!
Angel Jablonski
January 17, 2013
Melvin was a very kind man. He didnt just counsel addicts, He acted as a counseler to all of his friends and co workers as well.He listened with out judgement because he too went through his own trials and tribulations.I hope everyone is able to focus on a good memory of Melvin and know as much as this pains you he is where he worked so hard to be and he is not in pain. Forever in our hearts and prayers we love you Melvin. To the Family May God bless you in this time of sorrow. Your Friends at St.Charles Central Service
Yvonne Mason
January 17, 2013
To The Gaines Family:
So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow. Just know that you now have another guardian angel watching over you.
January 17, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Janet Lee
January 17, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Melvin. I worked with him at St. Charles and never in my life have I laughed as much as when I worked with him. His smile was contagious. You are all in my thoughts.
January 17, 2013
To The Gaines Family. Melvin will be Truly missed, but never forgotten. We Loved Him, but GOD Loved Him Best, And the LORD took Him Home, where now He will Truly Rest. GOD Bless & Keep U all.
Frances Smith
January 17, 2013
To Toni and the entire Gaines Family: We are so sorry to hear of Melvin's passing. However, we are so very thankful that he is now right there with his Heavely Father where he worked so hard to make sure Heavean was his home. We are praying for your peace and comfort during this time of sorrow. David & Fran Smith
Beth Hartnett-Warholy
January 17, 2013
To Toni and the Gaines Family - may Memories, Time, Faith, Prayers and Love heal your pain. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
January 17, 2013
Toni, my prayers goes out to you and the family. Melvin was a dear friend and will be sorely missed.
Carolyn Howe
Lucille Gillard
January 17, 2013
Toni and Family: May your loving memories of Melvin and the love and comfort of family and friends; give you comfort and peace in your time of sorrow. God Bless
Marcus Nelson
January 17, 2013
To The Gaines Family;Faith and prayer are like vitamins of the soul;and we can't live in health without them or without the lord Jesus Christ Our Savior.
January 17, 2013
To the family of Melvin Gains, I would like to say sorry for your lost of Melvin, he was a good person to work with. God Bless everyone in Melvin's family!!.. Celeste J. Edwards, Toledo, Ohio
LARRY BUTTS SR.
January 17, 2013
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH MELS' FAMILY DURING THESE TIMES OF SORROW. MAY YOUR MEMORIES BEEN YOU JOY.LOVE AND RESPECT ALWAYS MY FRIEND.
Ron Hogue
January 17, 2013
Melvin will be greatly missed.truely a great man of God.
Ken Najarian
January 17, 2013
Many years ago I happened to see Ricky shooting hoops and made a comment about his ability, He said wait till you see my younger brother... That was an understatement. Melvin was one of the best.. It made no difference as to what ball was being used - football, basketball, or baseball. He excelled in each of them. Glad to see he was able to turn his life around... R.I.P. Mel...
Ken Najarian
Billy Paraham
January 17, 2013
May God bless your family as you have blessed so many i will miss you but never forget you
Wendy Fletcher
January 17, 2013
Sis Crenshaw and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Melvin's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers.
John & Donnie Sherer
January 17, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Frederick "Stone" Henry
January 17, 2013
To Toni, the Gaines and Crenshaw family. My heartfelt prayers are with you all as you move forward without the physical presence of Mel. He was my beloved friend since childhood. Take comfort in knowing that he committed his life to Christ and therefore established eternal life for himself. Love you all.
Jerry L. Harris
January 17, 2013
Melvin, the good old day. Couldn't wait for graduation so we could get out in the world in be something. God has the lead, my pray to your family.
January 17, 2013
my prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time Diane Benton
Schenelle Person
January 17, 2013
Condolences to the Gaines family...R.I.P.Melvin
Larry
January 17, 2013
Return artist extraordinaire...another Toledo Star...
evelyn mays
January 16, 2013
To the family I would like to express my deepest sympathy and know that you all are in my prayers.Melvin will be truly missed by all that knew him. Evelyn Mays and family
January 16, 2013
To the Gaines Family, you have my deepest sympathy in your loss of your beautiful, son, brother, husband and father. Melvin will live on in my heart. God Bless your family and may Melvin Rest IN Peace. With Love from David Blackshear
Myrtle Lighton
January 16, 2013
My prayers for your family during this time of loss
Herman Johnson
January 16, 2013
Melvin, you have given me a lifetime of memories and a kid and a man....It seems to soon to lose a person like you, but Our Lord needed you more. To Toni and family....May The Lord Bless and Keep you.
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