Melvin Eugene Harrison, 85, of Kingfisher, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026.

He was born on Oct. 11, 1940, in Kingfisher to Walter Earl Harrison and Gladys Edna (Fisher) Harrison.

Melvin was raised in the Kingfisher community and graduated from Kingfisher High School with the Class of 1958.

He later attended diesel mechanic school in Okmulgee, where he trained for the career that would become one of his lifelong passions.

In 1962, Melvin married Janice Brezden in North Dakota. Although they later divorced, they were blessed with two children, Mark Harrison and Sheila Harrison Luedders.

Throughout much of his working life, Melvin was involved in the family business, Kingfisher Ford Tractor, alongside his brother Norman Harrison and brother-in-law Gary Helt and Dale Wendt.

Melvin, as part owner, managed the trucking division, driving rock trucks and heavy equipment throughout the region. One of his favorite jobs was making trips to Fargo, N.D., to pick up new Steiger tractors for delivery back to Oklahoma.

Later in life, after years on the road, he retired from trucking and devoted himself to another love farming. Melvin always preferred country living and spent his final years living across the road from the property where he was born.

The family property held special memories. It was once home to the historic Gant Schoolhouse, where Melvin remembered weddings, community gatherings and neighborhood events.

He enjoyed sharing stories of those early days and took pride in the history of his hometown.

Melvin had many interests that brought him joy throughout his life. He loved attending tractor shows, watching dirt track racing and especially watching his son Mark race.

He was equally proud of his daughter Sheila and never missed an opportunity to watch her show miniature horses. He told everyone she was his miracle child after surviving spina bifida and excelling in everything she did.

Some of Mark’s favorite childhood memories were traveling with his dad to dirt track races and spending evenings together at the 89’er Theatre in Kingfi sher, where they rarely missed a show.

Melvin was known for his generous heart and genuine compassion for others. He never smoked or drank alcohol and believed in living an honest, hardworking life.

He never hesitated to stop and help a stranded motorist or pick up a hitchhiker who needed a ride. He quietly supported dozens of charitable organizations and, in his later years, his mailbox was filled daily with letters from the many charities he faithfully supported.

Giving to others was simply part of who he was.

His faith was reflected in the way he lived. Melvin believed deeply in God and in treating every person with kindness, compassion and respect. He lived by principles of humility, generosity and service, setting an example for everyone who knew him.

Above all, Melvin was a devoted father whose greatest legacy was the love he shared and the example he set. As his family reflects on his life, they remember a man who always put others before himself.

His son, Mark, believes that if he can become even half the person his father was, he will have accomplished something truly special. His kindness, generosity, unwavering work ethic and quiet faith will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Norman Harrison and sister-in-law, Shirley Harrison.

He is survived by his son, Mark Harrison; his daughter Sheila Luedders and her husband Patrick; stepdaughter Charman Stucks and her husband Randy; his grandchildren Crystin Luedders and Landon and Macy Harrison; his sister Kayleen Helt; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

Though he will be deeply missed, Melvin’s legacy of generosity, hard work, faith and love will live on in the lives of his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 23.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 24, at Sanders Funeral Service Chapel with burial to follow at Kingfisher Cemetery under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.