Melvin Leon Waring was born to the union of Winfred Oran Waring and Minnie Juanita McGary

on August 30, 1936 and was one of six children.  He was raised in Douglassville, Texas where he was a member of St. John's Church. After attending Panhandle High School, he attended Prairie View A & M University where he graduated in 1958 with a B.S. in Physical Education.  Next, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he proudly served from 1958 to 1960. He felt it was his duty to serve his country and spoke of his time in the Army with pride and fondness.

California was where Melvin headed after the Army and lived in Los Angeles. He found work at Pacific State Hospital where he met life-long best friends Frederick (who he named his first son after) and Cassandra Fox. When Melvin decided to go into teaching, he attended Cal State Fullerton to obtain his Master of Science in Education specializing in Special Education in 1975 and also took classes at Pepperdine University. He also taught Black History for a short time at the Chino Institute for Men. Teaching at Chino High School was a great joy to him, he loved teaching Special Education and had a special touch with ever student. The colleagues he met at work became friends and eventually family.

Melvin was married to Barbara Davis from August 1966-1986. From that union 3 children were born: Frederick Andre Waring, Melanee Juanita Waring, and Winfred Oran Waring II. After teaching for 25 years, he retired in 1992 and moved to Texas after his divorce. In 1997 on February 14, he married Ethel Walthall his Panhandle High School sweetheart. They were married for 25 years and were very loving and loyal to each other. Melvin was her sweetheart.

Melvin loved his family dearly and considered his friends as family. He was a wonderful father, husband, son, brother, friend, nephew, and coach. Many of his children's friends considered him a father figure. Melvin was dedicated to his children and was always there for them in good and bad times with words of encouragement and guidance to lift them up. He encouraged all to be the best they could be and to always reach for their dreams and he would do anything to help. He helped many who were in need without question or a criticizing word and told you what you needed to hear not what you wanted to hear. His voice and humor could lighten your day and he never met a stranger.

On March 26, 2022, Melvin earned his wings. He went peacefully to be with the Lord with his daughter there listening to his favorite singer Nat King Cole and Mahalia Jackson singing "Steal Away Home" and "Precious Lord". For the first time in 85 years, he saw the face of his mother and is finally in her arms again, an event that should make us all smile. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, friendship, and loyalty. Although he will be missed just know he is looking down upon us smiling wanting us to continue loving, supporting, and strengthening each other.

Left to cherish his memories are: Wife, Ethel Walthall Waring. Brother, Thomas R. Waring (Bobbie). Sister, Gurtis Caldwell.  Children: Frederick Waring (Stephanie), Melanee Barnett Waring (Paul), Winfred Oran Waring II, bonus daughter Sharon Richard. Grandchildren: Chaylese, Keyonni, Steffany, Jasminena, Andrea, Melvin Leon Waring II, Khadajesha Burns, Ferora Cain, and Joshua Williams. Great grandchildren: Ayden Waring and Jaiceon Horton.

Nieces and nephews: Carol Coleman, Winfred Nickleberry, Rita Ann Williams, Phillip Nickleberry, Yasmin Waring, Natashya Waring, Thomas Waring, Yolanda Renee Sullivan, Robert James Spencer, Kinson Hatcher, and Tanesia Fisher. Best friend brothers: Leonard Davis, J.C. Hyman, George Dixson.  Many cousins: McGarys, Nickleberrys, Foxs, Dickersons, Williams, great-nieces and great-nephews, in-laws: Walthalls, Betty Davis and William Davis.

Preceding Melvin in death: Parents Winfred O. Waring and Minnie Juanita McGary Waring. Brothers: Andrew C. Waring, De Clos Preston Waring, Obie W. Waring, Joseph H. Waring. Sisters: Oredia A. Nickleberry, Winifred O. Spencer Waring.