Dr. Reverend Melvin Tezeno, Sr., transitioned this life and entered eternal rest on October 15, 2021. Born in Washington, Louisiana on November 29, 1946 to the proud parents of Mason Tezeno and Eldonia Stevens Tezeno, he was the fourth child of their union.

Raised within a community of love and faith, he accepted Christ at an early age at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana, under the leadership of Rev. Sydney Fontenot. He was a proud W.O. Boston graduate. After graduating high school he was employed as a longshoreman. Several years later, he became the first black store manager of Weingarten's Grocery Store in Lake Charles and Sulphur, Louisiana. After thirty-five years of employment, he retired and became the owner of M.T. Construction. He was very community-minded and socially engaged. He often worked at the polls and often supported local causes close to his heart. He supported political campaigns, purchased school supplies to fill backpacks for back to school drives, or lent a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a true giver with a consistent compassionate spirit. He enjoyed his family, friends, family reunions, and supporting each other's endeavors.

Melvin loved sharing the Word of God. He found renewed peace over the years by deepening his relationship with Jesus Christ. On September 16, 1992, he received his Certificate of Ordination into the Gospel Ministry. On May 5, 2005, he received the Ministry Affiliation Certificate, and on June 3, 2005, he received the Calvary Bible Institute - Teacher of Theology Certification, and he became pastor of the Family Baptist Church, January 3, 2006, Vision of Faith Theological Seminary Doctor of Philosophy Degree, June 2, 2006, the Master of Arts in Religious Education and June 1, 2008, Cornerstone University Doctor of Divinity Degree.

Dr. Rev. Melvin Tezeno, Sr. was united in Holy Matrimony to Mary Bell Tezeno. To this union, five children were born. To cherish his memory and continue his legacy of love, his loving wife Mary Tezeno, his daughters, Annette (Robert) Rhodes, and Pamuel Tezeno; his sons, Melvin Tezeno, Jr., Toney Tezeno, and Eddie Tezeno. His sisters, Dornell Toussand and Bonnie Simmons; his five grandchildren, Siara Rhodes, Nicolas Tezeno, Ifa Tezeno, Courtney Rhodes, and Gissel Rhodes. His God-daughter, Dianna Guillory and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great-great nephews, great-great-great nieces and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mason and Eldonia Stevens Tezeno, his siblings (sister) Hilda T.G. Robinson, his brothers, Milton Tezeno and Sherman Thomas; and Father and Mother-in-law, Adam and Lorena Bell.

Dr. Reverend Melvin Tezeno, Sr. spirit over-shadowed his stature. His presence was experienced deeply and his absence is felt profoundly. He will forever be loved and missed.