Funeral services for Melvin Joice, 74, of Livingston, Texas will be held Monday, March 10, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Central Baptist Church in Livingston, Texas with Pastor Mike Meadows officiating. Military honors will be provided by VFW Post #8568. Interment will follow in the Peebles Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 9, 2014 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas.

Melvin Joice was born in Cedar Lane, Texas on January 31, 1940 to Johnie Ray Joice and Emma Whitley Joice. Melvin graduated from Van Vleck High School in 1958 and was inducted into the United States Marine Corp. that same year. After completing his military obligation he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State College. He remained a lifetime devoted alumni of Sam Houston and enjoyed following his beloved Bearcats football team, along with all athletic endeavors of Livingston High School and surrounding towns.

Melvin raised and trained World Champion paint horses at his farm near Livingston and at the same time owned and operated Melbo's convenience store in downtown Livingston until the sale of that business in 2005.

As an active member of Central Baptist Church he enjoyed participating in various roles in CBC including Director of the Joy Sunday School Class, assisting with the English Speaking Ministry of the Church and will best be remembered by his smiling face and joyful spirit in his capacity as a Greeter welcoming everyone attending Central Baptist Church. He was a compassionate man who studied his Bible daily and went out of his way to help others in need. He also enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, traveling but most of all he loved attending various sporting events with his buddies.

In his lifetime service to his community and promoting area youth, Melvin served on the Livingston School Board, Sweeny School Board, and the Houston Livestock Paint Horse Committee. He also served as a Director of the Livingston Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Livingston Lions Club and Livingston Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Pat Joice of Livingston, Texas along with children, Jamie Gossett and husband Tracy, Jason Joice and wife Christi, Shelli Hoff and husband Marshall; grandchildren, Cade, Colton, Caden, and Jaci; brothers, Kenith Joice and Milton Joice of Sweeny, Texas; sister, Eva Nell Montgomery of Richards, Texas; sisters-in-law, Edna Joice of Sweeny, Texas, Nancy Williamson of Brandon, Mississippi, and Ethel Tracy of Lake Jackson, Texas; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers: Tracy Gossett, Marshall Hoff, Tyler Epstein, Jared Wiggins, Walter Woods and Jeff Gardner along with junior pallbearers, Cade Allen, Colton Hoff, and Caden Hoff.

Honorary pallbearers: James Bergman, Buz Cockrell, Bill Cox, Jerry Stovall, Howard Jarvis, Buddy Simmons, Jerry Marsh, Members of CBC Joy Sunday School Class, Friends and Neighbors of Texas Landing S/D and Pat's Traveling Buddies.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Central Baptist Church.