Our beloved patriarch, Melvin Ollin Sirles, 96, went to heaven on Saturday,

August 8, 2026.

Melvin was born on January 10, 1930, in Colonial Heights Virginia to James

Wesley Sirles and Annie Elizabeth Mallory. He graduated from Petersburg High School and married Linda Carol Martin, to whom he was married 66 years going on eternity. He served two years in the U.S. Army and then 39 more years in the U.S. Air Force. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as a Stake Missionary; Ward Mission Leader; and many other callings, including service at the Bishop’s Storehouse in his later years. He loved sports, especially football and basketball. He was not known for many tears, but they were reportedly seen when he was gifted a ticket to see the Virginia Cavaliers in the Gator Bowl in Florida. He was also proud of his service as a coach for both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. But even more than sports, he was devoted to his family, and they have many sweet memories of their time together. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers James and Robert; his sister Elizabeth; and his beloved wife Linda. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Jane (Frank); his son , Steve; his daughters Anita (Clifford) and Wendy (Deo); his grandchildren, Connie (J.J.), Curtis (Cate), Kristin (Robert), Elias, Nicholas, Maya and Mikayla; his great-grandchildren, Lexi, Julie, Lily, Ava, Landon, Logan, Zoe, Trey and Elijah; his great-great grandson, Zavion; his nieces and nephews, Bryan (Coleen), Lisa, Darren (Savannah); and many other nieces and nephews; as well as other devoted friends and family, including Cecilia (Donnie); Alicia and Kaye. He passed from our embrace into the arms of his family and friends in heaven waiting eagerly for him. We miss him deeply, but we have the sure hope born of faith that we will be together again.

A viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17 at the Belmont Ward building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3541 Cogbill Road, N. Chesterfield VA 23234. The celebration of life will follow at 11:00 a.m., at the same location. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park in Chester. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Home and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners’ Children or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. These are charities that Melvin loved and to which he donated for years. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com