Melvin Harold Larkins Sr.

My grandpa was a noble man. He lived in Farmington, NM and that was what I called my second home since my family travelled there a lot throughout my childhood years. My grandparents Melvin & Lavina Larkins would come down to Arizona where I lived and stay for the winter since NM was so cold but I remember being there one winter I believe my freshman year and all I wanted for Christmas was to see snow. The next day, it snowed and I was very happy.

My grandpa was an all around loveable person. He was in a hillbilly band where he played the harmonica. He used to pitch horseshoes with my parents and I got to keep score a few times for him. I loved watching him. He also had a pool table in the family room where we would play as a family. Of course he would win most of the time.

He died on a cold winter day in Farmington, NM and was buried on my dad's birthday which people thought was weird but not for my dad. He was honored. He served in the Army and was rewarded with a purple heart. My grandfather was 83 years old when he passed away and I remember I stood up and read a poem I wrote for him. I cried and it took me a while to read it but finally got through it. I know he would've loved it.

My grandpa is spreading his wings in Heaven and I know someday I will join him. RIP Grandpa Melvin June 22, 1915-January 7, 1999