Thomas L. Melvin

Thomas L. Melvin, 78, beloved husband, father, son, and community servant, passed peacefully on Monday, February 27, 2023, surrounded by family after a brief battle with a rare leukemia in Albuquerque, NM. Tom was born on March 8, 1944, to James and Josephine Melvin in Chico, California. The oldest of four siblings and son of an Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, he lived in many different states across the country, settling in New Mexico by way of Air Force bases in Roswell and Albuquerque. He attended the University of Nebraska before enlisting in the Air Force where he served as a Staff Sergeant in aircraft mechanics from 1965 to 1969 during the Vietnam war.

While stationed in Thailand, Tom met his former wife of 17 years, Dtoy. Together they had two daughters, Mindy and Michelle, and he gained two stepsons Berd and D-toy whom he helped bring to the U.S. in the mid 80's.

Tom met his wife of 34 years, Rochelle, while working at the Albuquerque Police Department. Together, they adopted daughter Cassandra, and he served as a father figure to niece, Jamie. A grandfather of three, great grandfather of two, and regarded by countless others as "uncle", he always welcomed a house full of family and friends.

Tom was a graduate of the 44th cadet class of the Albuquerque Police Department in April of 1977. Over his 46-year career, he served in many units including Field Services, Recruitment and Selection, Operations Review, the Reserve Unit, and the Traffic Division. He held the roles of Field Training Officer, long-term Acting Sergeant, Reserve Officer, and served in the Honor Guard. He was also a member of the first Bicycle Patrol Unit serving the UNM area. With a knack for technology and interest in computer science, he was instrumental in the development of various technologies throughout his career such as the creation of a criminal intelligence file, automating the cadet screening process, and automating staffing levels and bid coordination. Tom retired in 1999, then served as a Reserve Officer and rehired soon thereafter, spending most of his time in the Field Service Bureau, where he was most passionate. In his most recent years, he served as an Abandoned Vehicles Coordinator within the Traffic Division. Throughout his career, Tom positively impacted many team members and citizens of our city. His work ethic and passion were unmatched, and he loved his job and the APD family deeply.

While not working, Tom enjoyed traveling with family, napping at the beach, running, biking, Ford Mustangs (at one time owned a 66 and 67), computers and electronic gadgets, photography, his pool, and a good beer. He was a devoted family man, a great friend, a stranger to no one, a cop's cop. He was always optimistic with a great sense of humor and demonstrated a servant's heart until the very end.

Tom was recently diagnosed with a rare and aggressive blood cancer, blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) leukemia. He courageously underwent treatment, the first to receive this therapy in New Mexico. The family would like to express appreciation to the medical staff at Presbyterian Rust oncology and intensive care units for his exceptional care.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jo; siblings, Paul and Cecilia; and daughter, Cassandra. He is survived by his wife, Rochelle Melvin; daughters, Michelle Dearholt (Jimmy), Mindy McIntire (James); niece, Jamie Wardlaw (Kenneth); sister, Nancy Ulibarri (Ted); former wife, Dtoy Melvin; and stepsons, his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many others who loved him deeply.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Westside. Tom will be interred at Santa Fe National Cemetery privately.

As a tribute to Tom, we've created a fundraiser in his memory with MD Anderson. Your donation will specifically support research, patient care, and prevention of BPDCN leukemia. To donate please visit http://mdacc.convio.net/goto/honoringtom