Melvin T. ("Officer Friendly") Blakely, Jr.

Forever In Our Hearts 

Melvin Timothy Blakely Jr. of South Bend, IN was born to Melvin Timothy Blakely Sr. and Lorine Blakely at Gary Mercy Hospital in Gary, IN on August 3, 1971. Around the age of a month old, Melvin was sent home with a hole in his heart and not expected to live and by the grace of God, the Lord blessed him to see 54 more years. 

Melvin was affectionately known by his mother, as her “miracle child”. Melvin was baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost at Zion Temple Apostolic Church in Gary, IN at an early age. He played basketball, baseball, ran track; he was an artist and gospel rapper. His favorite past-time was playing baseball at Midtown, which was a huge highlight for him. Melvin graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1990. He was very involved in extra curricular activities at school, such as writing for the school newspaper and ROTC. He helped other youth turn their life over to Christ through his church; God’s Grace Apostolic Church, under the late District Elder Detmer Timberlake. 

Melvin began his career in law enforcement in September of 1996. He served on the police force in Kokomo, IN; Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN; Indiana University Northwest in Gary, IN; and Indiana University South Bend. Melvin graduated from Calumet College of St. Joseph with his bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. Outside of his duties as a law enforcement officer he would always come up with different ways to use his gifts. Melvin was a volunteer coach at The Boys and Girls Club in Terre Haute. He started a foundation called T.O.Y.S (Teaching Our Youth Safety) where he taught children about bicycle safety. Melvin coached football, basketball, baseball, taught math, and was also an athletic director at Edison Middle School in South Bend. On May 29, 2024, the school awarded a student the Melvin Blakely Perseverance Award. This award will be presented to a student yearly for the next 20 years. He started a t-shirt business called PHIA (Praise Him In Advance). Melvin also ran for councilman in South Bend, IN. He was a comedian, minister, he loved children; he was called “officer friendly” by children and adults; he touched souls in the hospital and was an advocate for other amputees that would come into the hospital. Due to being an amputee, Melvin wrote a book to tell his story, “Endurance - Police to Prosthetic”. He was also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He enjoyed life, spending time and lots of laughter with his family and friends. Melvin was the light that shined bright in any room he came into. He kept a smile on his face and laughter in his voice till the very end.

Melvin Blakely Jr. departed this life on Monday, October 6, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his infant son; maternal grandparents - Joe and Armazie Feagin; paternal grandparents - Bishop William O and Annie Mae Blakely Jr.; and one sister - Tante Vaughn. 

He leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Dorlita Blakely; mother, Lorine Blakely & father, Melvin (Oneida) Blakely Sr.; children, Deandre (Jamelia) Blakely, Promise Blakely, and Unique Blakely, Stepchildren, Tuarus Jones, Taegan Jones, and Torihana Jones. His grandchildren, Iris Blakely, Milani Blakely, and Trevon Blakely. Godchildren, LaShiona (Dominique) Davis and Zoey Norris. Three sisters, Delores (Greyson) Cunningham Grant, Tayna Blakely, and LaWanda Blakely. Nine brothers, Derrick (Inita) Blakely, Michael (Cheri) Ruffin, Kerry Johnson, Terry (Janice) Johnson, Armondo (Karemia) Blakely, Daniel (Nichole) Blakely, Carl (Tameshia) Blakely, Josiah Blakely, and Joel Blakely. Unofficial adopted children: Ahmarius Trotter, Ayden and Anthony Shane. He also had a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, saints and friends.

His Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 2:00PM EST at Kingdom Impact Christian Cultural Church, 2404 Lincoln Way West, South Bend, Indiana 46628. Visitation will be from 12:00PM EST until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at Evergreen Memorial Park, Hobart, Indiana. Apostle Edwin A. Newsome will bring forth the Eulogy.

The word of God says....And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Revelation 14:13

Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15

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