Individual Details

Melvin James Stein November 15, 1928 - September 3, 2010 Melvin James Stein, 81, passed away on September 3, 2010 at his home surrounded by his loving family as he took his last breath on this earth and was welcomed to Heaven by his loving Savior Jesus Christ. His many adoring relatives were also there in paradise to greet him with open arms and celebration. Melvin was born to Theodore and Blanche Stein on November 15, 1928 in Chicago Heights, Illinois. As a young boy, Mel spent many memorable summers with his great-grandfather, Papa Byers, on the old family farm in Missouri. At the beginning of WWII, he and his younger brother, Floyd, moved with their parents to Los Angeles, where Mel graduated from L.A. High School in 1947. During college he met and married Shirley Nell Kessler, his wife of 61 years. They were blessed with two daughters: Shannon and Darla. Mel graduated from Rutgers University and had a lifetime career with Western Electric/AT&T as an Aerospace Engineer. Mel's career moved them to many fascinating places throughout the world including North Carolina, Texas, Greece, New Jersey, Kwajalein, and back to sunny California. Mel was instrumental in the implementation of the Nike X Missile System in Greece. He retired at Vandenberg Air Force Base, and Mel and Shirley owned and operated Stein Realty for many years in Santa Maria. He and Shirley were real estate brokers for almost 40 years, making many lasting friendships. Throughout their marriage Mel and Shirley enjoyed numerous trips to Europe, Asia, the Holy Lands and across America. They were often accompanied by their family on multiple excursions, including joyous family reunions. Mel especially enjoyed the Greek culture, food and people, having lifelong friends there. In 2005, Mel and Shirley moved to Bakersfield to be closer to their family. Mel was a faithful, born-again Christian, who truly lived a Christian life and was a member of the Baptist church. Some of his favorite activities were researching genealogy, serving as an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Santa Maria Elk's Lodge, and celebrating life with his close-knit family. He enjoyed music, playing the fiddle, and he had a beautiful singing voice. Mel and Shirley won awards for Jitter-Bug dancing. Some of his favorite pastimes were Bible study, operating a ham radio, square dancing, playing Bridge, snow skiing, boating, making friends, and being with family. Mel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Melvin Stein is survived by his adoring wife, Shirley; daughters, Shannon (Jay) Ericsson and Darla (Kirk) Spencer; grandchildren, Stein (Natasha) Ericsson, Manja (Chad) McMills, Brittney Alldredge, Caleb Alldredge, and Cassondra Spencer; great-granddaughters, Jordan, Reagan, and Savannah Ericsson and Addison Alldredge; brother, Floyd (Dohnna) Stein; sister-in-law Ramona Kessler Brooks; several nephews and nieces, and many cousins. A warm and special thank you goes to Dr. Susan Helper, Dr. Ravi Patel, CBCC, and Hoffmann Hospice for the exceptional care they provided. A celebration of Mel's wonderful life will be held at Greenlawn Southwest, 2739 Panama Lane, on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be Friday, September 10, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Obituary published in Bakersfield Californian on September 9, 2010.

Parents:
Theodore Francis Xavier Stein 1906–1974
Blanche Marie Winkleblack Stein 1909–2001

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Birth	15 Nov 1928	Chicago Heights, Cook County, Illinois
Marriage	1949	Living
Residence	15 Nov 2007	Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, California
Death	3 Sep 2010	Bakersfield, Kern County, California
Obituary	15 Nov 2010	Bakersfield, Kern County, California
Burial		Greenlawn Cemetery and Mortuary, Bakersfield, Kern County, California

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