Melvin Roosevelt Dortch, Jr. was born in Mississippi on September 16, 1939 to the parents of Mary Elizabeth Dortch and Melvin R. Dortch Sr. Melvin was the baby of four boys born to this union. On October 3, 2021 Melvin’s journey on earth was completed.
He grew up in Arkansas and moved to Chicago, Illinois where he was employed as a Chicago Police Officer. Melvin met married Arma Jean Curtis and to this union five children were born: Nettie Curtis, Mary R. Dortch, Pamela Dortch, Phyllis Dortch and “Little” Melvin Dortch III. Melvin also has one other daughter .
Melvin leaves to cherish his memories to his children, Pamela, Phyllis and Melvin III, his 17 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws: Lillie Elliot, Thelma Dortch, Roosevelt Curtis, home healthcare provider–Cerese Moss and friends.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Mary Scott and Melvin Dortch Sr; grandparents, John and Mary Shelton Dortch, brothers: John H. Dortch, Marvin Dortch Sr., O.V. Dortch, Sr., ex-wife Arma Dortch, daughters: Mary Renee Dortch, Nettie Curtis, in-laws: Oralee Dortch, Odell Dortch & Mary Livingston , Alma Ivy, Rose L. Williams, and grandson Milton Markque Dortch.
Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 PM Monday, October11, 2021 Roeder Mortuary, 4932 Ames Ave.
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 12, 2021 also at the mortuary.
Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery, 7602 Military Ave.