Dr. Melvin O'Bannon, 93, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025. He was born in St. Louis, MO on November 24, 1931 to Henry and Ethel (McKinnley) O'Bannon.

Mel attended public schools and graduated from McKinnley High School. Around the age of 18, during his senior year of high school, Mel was drafted as a pitcher for the New York Giants MLB baseball team. Mel started college at Olivet Nazarene University. He was shortly drafted into the army, and served 2 years, prior to returning to St. Louis. During his time in the Army, Mel pitched for the army baseball team. He then began completing his college degree and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis.

On June 11, 1955, Mel married Lena (Green) O'Bannon. They were married 53 years. From this union, they welcomed two sons, David Eugene in September 1958 and Thomas Edward in March 1961.

During the summer of 1970, the O'Bannon's relocated to Bethany, OK. Mel had accepted a professorship, and coached the baseball and golf teams at Southern Nazarene University. During his tenure at SNU, Mel completed his Doctorate in Higher Education/Sports Medicine at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. Mel retired from the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK.

Mel's favorite pastime was playing golf with his friends and especially his wife Lena.

In his later years, Mel spent time with Tom and Don at their home in Frisco, TX.

Mel is survived by his son, Tom (Don Jensen) of Frisco, TX; grandsons, Jake (Maia) O'Bannon, Edmond, OK and Sam (Taylor) O'Bannon, Edmond, OK; great granddaughter, Mila O'Bannon, Edmond, OK; and the Hazel Quick family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lena; son, Dave; brother, John O'Bannon; and sister, Fay (O'Bannon) Enders.

Viewing will be Sunday, February 9 from 11am-8pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service. Visitation with family present will be at 1pm on Monday, February 10 prior to the funeral service. Funeral service will be 2pm, Monday, February 10 at Mercer-Adams Chapel with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK along side of his wife Lena.

The O'Bannon family wants to express our deepest thanks for all the prayers for comfort and peace.