Melvin Arthur Jackson

Melvin Arthur Jackson, a cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away unexpectedly April 29, 2026, at the age of 82 in Madison, IN. He was born January 14, 1944, in Cincinnati, OH.

Melvin was a dedicated father to his 3 sons and a jack of all trades. Raised in Norwood, OH, he graduated from Norwood High School and Moler Barber College earning his license as a Master Barber.

Aside from becoming an accomplished barber, working alongside his father in the family owned barber shop, he also was a machinist who started his own painting and cleaning business to also include landscaping services.

Melvin was a dedicated, single father to his 3 cherished son, Ronald, Donald, and Brian. He enjoyed watching his sons play Little League baseball and taking them on yearly summer trips to Salem, IN to visit Uncle Herbert and Herman.

He enjoyed restoring classic cars with his sons and participating in area car shows. The most memorable being the 1965 Pontiac Tempest and his powder blue 1957 Chevy Bel Air. Melvin restored and designed a custom paint job known as the “Black Widow” for the 1965 Pontiac Tempest which holds a copyright with the Library of Congress. However, his 1957 Chevy Bel Air was his crown jewel in which he won over 200 awards while being featured in numerous news articles, radio and television spots, and even mentioned in Nick Clooney’s book, Cincinnati: City of Charm: A Love Story.

Melvin had an undeniable love and vast knowledge of all things Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and John Wayne. Life size creations of Elvis and Marilyn tagged along in his ’57 Bel Air charming the crowds of car shows.

Melvin fulfilled his final lifelong dream of owning a small farm in Cannan, IN. He often referred to it as his small slice of heaven on Earth. There on this farm, he continued his love of the outdoors, gardening and raising his chickens and ducks.

Melvin is survived by his 3 cherished sons, Ronald, Donald (Gladys), and Brian (Tiffany). His 3 grandchildren Nigel Thompson (Theo), Sydney Jones (Asher), and Jerry C. Ulm III. As well as his 3 great-grandchildren Isabella Doerr, Layla Jones, and Jamari Jones.

Melvin is proceeded in death by his father Arthur Binford Jackson and his cherished daughter Marie Allene Jackson.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7th, 2026 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 2155 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 (Follow the BLUE line). A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 8th, 2026 at 1:30pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place at 2:30pm at Arlington Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions in honor of Melvin can be made to the American Cancer Society by visiting https://www.cancer.org.