Manuel Melbourne

Manuel Paul 'Manny' Melbourne Jr., 75, of Poplar died Dec. 18, 2021, in Poplar.

He was born on July 12, 1946, to Lydia Cynthia Johnson and Manuel Paul Melbourne Sr. in Poplar.

He was a tri-athlete, excelling in basketball, track and football, leaving unbroken records for Poplar High School. Because of his excellence in sports, he received a full ride scholarship to Northern Montana College. He attended a trade school in California, earning a welding/machine tool degree. He spent many years as an employee of Fort Peck Tribes, A& S Industries and Fort Peck Housing Authority as a carpenter, building houses, performing machine maintenance, as well as various office positions.

He enjoyed shooting pool, playing horseshoes, playing softball, hunting, trapshooting and visiting with friends near and far.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Aleta Archdale; son, Alex Stearns; step-son, Frederick Archdale; brothers, Alfred Melbourne, Clifford Melbourne and Lionel Johnson; and sisters, Beulah Melbourne, Arlene Johnson, Renee Melbourne, Paula Melbourne and Cheryl Melbourne.

He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Melbourne, Monica Melbourne-Franklin and Lorraine Hopkins; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment followed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.