Melvin C. Archer

Melvin Archer, affectionately called Fletcher by some and Papa by others, was born on June 13, 1950, in Lawrenceville, Virginia, the beloved and only son of the late Marian “Addie” Archer (Blackwell) and Wyatt Archer. In 1963, the Archer family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where Melvin’s warmth, wit, and easy smile quickly earned him a circle of lifelong friends.

Melvin’s early years were filled with learning, sports, and community. Over the ensuing years, he would fondly reflect on time spent hunting and fishing with “Grandaddy” (his grandfather) and his uncles, Rob and Tom. Growing up in his small neighborhood of Mayfield, he spent many carefree days riding go-carts and bicycles that were built from spare parts that he, his cousin, Lenny Boy and childhood friend, Ploochie scrounged together. Melvin attended St. Paul’s Practice School until his family relocated to Baltimore. In his “new home”, he continued his education at Preston Elementary (PS 146), Lombard Junior High, and ultimately Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, graduating with the class of 1969. A gifted athlete, he played both football and basketball and was proudly honored as a lifetime member of the Dunbar Poets Athletic Club.

Known for his winning personality and deep love of family, Melvin had the special gift of making everyone feel like a friend. He loved people – and people loved him. He cherished deep, unwavering friendships he shared with Vernon Bailey, Don “Donnie” Evans, and Calvin Murray.

 If Melvin knew you, he would make it his business to know everything about you. East Baltimore was his ‘stomping’ ground and as he navigated the area, he was sure to run into someone who knew him. His quiet demeanor did not mask his broad knowledge or his astute listening skills.

When his body was still agile, he enjoyed time in his tomato garden and loved sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors. Melvin was a man who loved food almost as much as he loved his family. He often called on loved ones to bring him special dishes that reminded him of his beloved mother, Marian, and the comfort of home. For sure though, his appetite did not prevent him from being discerning about how food was prepared. He came from a long line of great cooks and was vocal, making it known to all that he would never settle for mediocre food.

Melvin’s passion for sports ran deep. His encyclopedic knowledge of football, basketball and baseball often turned Sunday afternoons into spirited phone calls and playful trash-talking sessions with his beloved brother-in-law Wilbert, and cousin “Poe.”

From early ages, Melvin and his sister Sandra developed a special bond that never wavered. This included childhood baptism on the same day, minor family feuds over the years, and comforting 4am telephone chats (though they lived in the same home). They were inseparable. 

Ever the defender, Sandra remained vigilant and protective of her brother. Their connection was unbreakable and indelibly etched for a lifetime.

Melvin leaves to cherish his memory his devoted sisters Barbara Archer-Jones (Wilbert), Evelyn Douglass, Sandra Winkler, and L. Patricia Archer; his treasured nephews John Douglass and Brian Jones; nieces Nicole Singletary (James) and Kimberly Rountree; great-nieces Maya Rountree and Ashleigh Rountree; and a host of other beloved family and friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts.

Melvin’s life was a beautiful tapestry of authenticity, love, laughter, struggles with personal demons, bounce backs and connections. He will be remembered for many things. Among them are that he was smart, upright, and true to himself. He will be deeply missed.