Melvin E. Staats 1933-2025

He was born July 1, 1933, in Akron, the son of the late Everett Staats and Matilda Keil Staats.

He had lived in Newton Falls since 1957 and was formerly of Manchester, where he graduated from Manchester High School in the Class of 1953. After high school, he attended Otterbein College in Westerville and graduated with a degree in education. He would later go on to earn his master’s degree in educational administration at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa.

Melvin married the love of his life, Myrna J. Pickens, on June 17, 1960, at First Christian Church; they enjoyed 55 years of marriage until her death on Jan 22, 2016.

He began his career in Newton Falls and continued there from 1957 to 1966. Melvin then went on to Leavittsburg High School (LaBrae High School) in 1966, where he started the football program. He also coached baseball and became athletic director before retiring in 1989. Melvin and his wife, Myrna, were faithful members of First Christian Church in Newton Falls for many years, where he served in many leadership roles. He is in the Trumbull County Sports Hall of Fame, Manchester High School Hall of Fame, LaBrae High School Hall of Fame and the OHSAA Officials Hall of Fame.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Myrna; sister, Mildred Harrah; and brothers, Edward, Paul and Bill Staats.

While he held many titles throughout his career, his most beloved titles were husband, father and grandfather.

Melvin will be dearly missed by his son, Brian; daughter, Diana (Robert) Baker; sister, Evelyn Gregg; brother, Richard (Lora) Staats; grandchildren, Kayla, Lauren, Emma and RJ; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls, with Pastor Reid Lamport officiating. The family will receive friends for calling hours 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, at the funeral home.

He will be laid to rest beside Myrna in Newton Falls Cemetery.

The family has requested that all donations please be made to First Christian Church, 17 N. Center St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, in Melvin’s name.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or send condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.

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