Melvin Robinson

Melvin Robinson

Mel, “The Bus Driver”

Sunrise - April 27, 1948

Sunset - April 11, 2021

Melvin Robinson, known in the Lehigh Valley as “Mel the Bus Driver” passed away Sunday evening, April 11 at  Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.   He was 72 years old. The beloved father, brother and friend was a resident of Allentown for over 54 years.  Melvin was born in Canton, Mississippi was raised in the cotton fields of Mississippi among his uncles and aunts who were like brothers and sisters.  He started driving bus for his high school at the early age of 15 and continued to drive until he graduated from high school in 1967.  In high school, he met Louise who became his high school sweetheart, and eventually the love of his life. 

In 1967, he moved to Allentown, where he married Louise to make the Lehigh Valley their permanent home.  He began working as a bus driver for Lanta/Metro and made driving his life-long career.  Many knew him for his love of football, Cadillac cars, and his boisterous laugh.  Melvin and Louise continued their careers and lives together for over 56 years, married for 54 years.  Melvin retired from Lanta/ Metro in 2010 after 41 years of driving.  Melvin and Louise have one daughter, Tabatha, who is an artistic scholar, a Performing Arts director, Doctoral candidate and published author in California. 

Melvin was a lifetime member of the NAACP, working and supporting many humanitarian organizations throughout his life.  He was a member of the Prince Hall Masons.  He loved telling stories and talking to people and would go out of his way to help anyone when he could.  He mentored many young people throughout his years and worked to create events for youth and community.  He was always seen driving a bus, a limousine for Elite Limousine for over 25 years, his favorite Silverado truck or one of many Cadillacs throughout the years. 

Melvin is the son of the late Clyde Robinson and Evelyn Jackson.  He is survived by his wife Louise, his daughter Tabatha, and his two grandsons, Jailani and Jordan.  He leaves behind brothers: Clydale (Christine) Robinson (Fort Worth, Texas), and Robert Jackson (Allentown, PA), Ramon Jackson (Deanna)  (Center Valley); and sisters: Evelean (Tony) Duke (Jackson, Mississippi), Evelyn L. Jackson (Lebanon, PA), Mary Anne Robinson (Jackson, Mississippi), and Geraldine Smith (Whitehall, PA).  His brothers Joseph Robinson, Eddie Lee Robinson, and David Lee Robinson greeted him in heaven.  He is also survived by a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

There will be a public viewing for Melvin Robinson on Friday, April 16, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Judd-Beville Funeral Home located on  1314 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18102.  There will be a private funeral on Saturday, April 17, 2021 for immediate family.  All guests are expected to follow the National and local CDC guidelines for Covid-19  prevention.  Masks are required at all times.  Flowers can be sent to the funeral home or donations can be made in Melvin’s name to his favorite organizations: the American Heart Association www.heart.org,  My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (MBKA) www.obama.org, or to the Allentown NAACP www.naacpallentown.org. 

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