Manuel Paul Melbourne, Jr. was born on July 12, 1946 to Lydia Cynthia Johnson and Manuel Paul Melbourne, Sr. in Poplar, MT.
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 is preceded in death by his parents; Manuel and Lydia; his wife Aleta Archdale; his son Alex Stearns; step-son Frederick Archdale; brothers Alfred Melbourne, Clifford Melbourne, Lionel Johnson; sisters Beulah Melbourne, Arlene Johnson, Renee Melbourne, Paula Melbourne and Cheryl Melbourne and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Melbourne (Judith Boyd), Monica Melbourne-Franklin (Aleta Archdale) and Lorraine Hopkins (Julie Hopkins); grandchildren Jacob Melbourne-Baker, Sarah Melbourne-Baker, Rachel Melbourne-Baker, Adam Melbourne-Baker and Jessy Melbourne-Baker, as well as many nieces, nephews and adopted family.
Special acknowledgments to Roger Frislie and family, Elvis Eagle and Yolanda Parshall.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.