Melvin E. Staats, age 92 of Newton Falls passed away into eternal rest on Monday July 28, 2025 at UH Geauga Medical Center in Chardon.  He was born on July 1, 1933 in Akron, OH the son of the late Everett Staats and Matilda (Keil) Staats.  He has lived in Newton Falls since 1957, formerly of Manchester, OH where he graduated from Manchester High School in the Class of 1953. After high school, he attended Otterbein College in Westerville, OH and graduated with a Degree in Education. He would later go on to earn his Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Melvin married the love of his life, Myrna J. Pickens on June 17, 1960 at the First Christian Church, and they enjoyed 55 years of marriage together until her death on Jan 22, 2016.  He began his career in Newton Falls and continued there from 1957-1966.  Melvin then went on to Leavittsburg High School (Labrae High School) in 1966 where he started the Football Program. He also coached baseball and became Athletic Director before retiring in1989.   Melvin and his wife Myrna were faithful members of the First Christian Church in Newton Falls for many years where he served in many leadership roles. He is in the Trumbull County Sports Hall of Fame, Manchester High School Hall of Fame, Labrae High School Hall of Fame, and the OHSAA Officials Hall of Fame.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Myrna, sister Mildred Harrah, and  brothers Edward, Paul and Bill Staats. While he held many titles throughout his career, his most beloved titles were husband, father and grandfather. Melvin will be dearly missed by his son Brian, daughter  Diana (Robert) Baker, sister Evelyn Gregg, brother Richard (Lora) Staats, grandchildren Kayla, Lauren, Emma, and  RJ, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls on Wednesday Aug 6, 2025 at 11:00am with Pastor Reid Lamport officiating.  The family will receive friends for calling hours at the funeral home on Tuesday Aug 5, 2025 from 3:00- 7:00 pm.  He will be laid to rest beside his wife Myrna at Newton Falls Cemetery.  The family has requested that all donations please be made to the First Christian Church 17 North Center St. Newton Falls, OH 44444 in Melvin's name.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440.  Family and friends may view his obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.