MADISON--Melvin Sumner Harness age 97, went home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday August 31, 2021. Melvin was born on July 7, 1924 in Magnolia, MS. He was the son of Myrtis Eria (Cotten) and Henry Ward Beacher Harness. He enlisted in the military on September 20, 1943 and he willingly volunteered to serve for his country as a Private First Class in the Army and was deployed at the age of 18. He served 27 months deployed with the C.O.B 535th in Rhineland (German occupied territory in WW2), completing his duties with no time lost under AW 107. He would eventually become a World War II charter member, financially contributing to help build the National World War II Memorial on the Mall in Washington DC. Melvin was a well-mannered man despite the complications of being a man of color in a 20th century America. He would eventually leave Mississippi, seeking a better life for himself and daughter, moving to the Midwest in the 1960's. In 1965, Melvin would marry Elaine (Nordness) Withers. Breaking the racial barrier Melvin and Elaine had a full house in Madison, Wisconsin. They blended two families, helping raise five of Elaine's children, one child of his own and having two additional children. Melvin was a hard working American veteran. He lived a humble and selfless life. Melvin loved to spend time with his family and friends, fishing, watching sports, playing cards, sharing war stories and shooting pool. He worked through many hardships, but never complained, staying positive, keeping a smile on his face. Melvin was an enormous inspiration to his family and will live forever through them. He lived 97 years, living a humble and modest life. After 18 years, he can now be reunited with his angelic wife Elaine and leaves his memories with his family and his children Kevin (Kristina) Harness, Melissa Harness, Sharanne (George) Bridges, Jory (Linda) Withers. His grandchildren Chris Costello, Jamison Vacek, Chauncey Vacek, Keanna Vacek, Justice Harness; Danielle Stiger, Thaddeus Harness; Carmen, Camile, Jo'el and Travis Withers; Lance Moon and Jazmin Jones, George Jr., Demetrius, Tonya, Vernon, Nicole Bridges; Rick, Cassius, Shaymara & Gabriel Withers, Maurice Withers, Timothy, Angelo and Justin Beasley; RaShana England, Cheyanna, Taiya Withers, Telesha Bible. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, seven brothers and sisters and four children. A private family Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, September 10, 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family in order to distribute to nursing staff. A special thanks to Columbus Health and Rehab Center and the kind, loving care they provided Melvin. Please share your online condolences with Melvin's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com.
Jensen Funeral & Cremation
Columbus 920-623-5850