On June 29, 2025, Sulphur, Oklahoma, lost a beloved figure, Carl Melson, who passed away at 81 in his home, surrounded by family, after a battle with inoperable stomach lymphoma.
His death denotes the end of an era for the communities he touched as a coach, mentor, and friend.
Carl’s 41-year career in football and track has inspired many people. His legacy continues to impact countless lives.
Born on January 16, 1944, to Gordon and Mabel (Black) Melson in Sulphur, Oklahoma, Carl developed a passion for athletics from a young age.
His energy and drive were clear from an early age, shaping him into a great athlete and coach.
Over his lifetime, Carl ran more than 50,000 miles and completed 27 full marathons, including the prestigious Boston Marathon.
His dedication to fitness was matched only by his commitment to coaching young athletes.
Carl’s coaching career spanned Oklahoma and beyond, with stints in Marlow, Moore, Sulphur, Konowa, Hobbs (New Mexico), Enid, Ada, and Denton, Texas.
He spent 41 years shaping young athletes, never once leading a football team to a losing season as a head coach.
His track teams produced several state champions, a testament to his ability to bring out the best in his athletes.
Carl’s influence went beyond wins and losses—he established confidence, discipline, and belief in those he coached.
At 21, Carl met the love of his life, JoLyn, a fellow Oklahoman from U.S. Grant High School.
The two married on January 22, 1965, in Oklahoma City, beginning a 60-year partnership filled with love and shared memories.
Together, they raised a daughter, Michael, and two sons, Chris and Branden.
Carl’s family was his anchor, and his pride in them was evident to all who knew him.
His son Branden followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a teacher and coach at ISD after graduating from East Central University in 1995.
Chris, who played on the Ada Junior High football team, studied at the University of Oklahoma.
Carl’s legacy lives on with his grandchildren and extended family, who were with him in his final moments.
The News Of Carl’s Death Spread Through The Communities He Had Affected
On June 21, 2025, Branden Melson shared the heartbreaking news of his father’s diagnosis on Facebook, writing,
Just days later, on June 30, Judy Melson, Chris’s wife, announced Carl’s passing, saying,
“Chris’s dad, Carl Melson, passed away peacefully at home this morning, surrounded by his family. He was a wonderful man and a faithful follower of Jesus. Today, Carl’s faith became sight—he is now in the presence of his Savior.”
Via Facebook
Former athletes and friends shared heartfelt tributes. Brian Kelly Wagner wrote,
“Coach Melson always challenged me to not give up, telling me that I was more talented than I realized. His encouragement had a big impact on my self-confidence, and I never really got a chance to share that with him. Thank you, Coach Melson, for helping me believe in myself. And you as well, Branden Melson, you both helped me with that more than you know.
Via Facebook
Rest peacefully, Coach.”
June Hughes recalled,
“I’m so sorry for your loss. Coach Melson was a great man. I have fond memories of him and Jo Lynn at AJHS. And I remember how fun it was to see them dance the jitterbug or bop at an assembly! All of you are in my prayers”
Via Facebook
Ann Ogle shared,
” We hold fond memories of the times we shared – especially our running and biking adventures. He was a wonderful friend. Please know we are thinking of you.”
Via Facebook
Carl was a mentor who believed in his athletes’ potential.
His encouragement gave them the confidence to push past their limits.
Whether on the football field, the track, or in life, Carl’s lessons stayed with those he coached.
His love for his community was evident in every school he served, from Sulphur to Denton.
Beyond athletics, Carl was a man of faith.
His daughter-in-law Judy’s words show the peace he found in his final days, knowing he was headed to his Savior.
His life was evidence of hard work, love, and service.
Carl is survived by his wife of 60 years, JoLyn; his children, Michael, Chris, and Branden; and his grandchildren and extended family.
A service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 1 PM at Crossway Church in Sulphur, with Bill Leveridge officiating.
Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Sulphur.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) or the Baptist Children’s Home, causes close to Carl’s heart.
Carl Melson’s death leaves a void, but his legacy endures in the athletes he coached, the communities he served, and the family he loved.
He was a man who ran the race of life with purpose, and his memory will inspire future generations.
