He ran Pinal County jail. I needed a job, and the jail, Ellis Franks asked Frank Reyes to give me a job, I got an interview with Frank Reyes. He told me to cut my hair, shave my beard, and start Thursday. Melvin Moore took me into his life. He is one of the greatest human beings to have ever lived. He got kicked in the face by Richard Compton aka Richard McCarthy, leader, yes, LEADER of the Aryan Nation in the US prison facilities. Melvin rubbed his chin, got up, and mopped the floor with the guy. Biggest white man I EVER saw, and he made an error in judgment. He trusted me, and believe me, I trusted him with my life. We also had Ted Thornton.
I stopped to get gas at Quarzite and ran into Mel’s nephew. He had Melvin’s RV.
God blesses up with people like Melvin.
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Aloha to the Moore family,
I know that this is quite late to share my condolences but I just happened to be looking up information on Randolph and saw that in March 2023, Melvin Moore was killed. My belated blessings to his family. Way back in 1965 I was one of the 3 VISTA workers who lived in Randolph, I joined Nancy Jewell and Darrel Stanley. My name is Kau'i Keliipio and I have been living in British Columbia, Canada for the last 53 years. As I have been writing about my experiences in Randolph, I thought I would find out what was going on and read about Melvin's activism when he was 65. I remember when he would give us good and practical advice when we asked him and sometimes when we didn't. I will always remember what a bright and helpful person he was then. I was thinking of going to Randolph to visit with him, and was saddened to read about his untimely passing.
Here is my email: keliipio@sfu.ca just in case you read this and would like to respond.
Malama pono, take good care,
Kau'i
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I worked for Melvin at Pinal County Jail summer of 81 when I couldn’t get hired at Pinal general hospital. He was the greatest boss. He was the badest man on earth. He and Ted Thorton helped me immensely. Working there with Melvin and Ted was a highlight in my life. Melvin always spoke of Alvin. He had great pride in his son. There was NEVER a dull moment at Pinal county jail. Man, I loved Melvin. A great man and leader.
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To Mary and Mel's family from a Canadian friend. Mel was the first senior ball player I met in Arizona when he brought me to a ball game in January 2003. Playing with him is a fond memory and I think of him often and enjoyed the times we would bump into each other at Walmart. Mel will be greatly missed by his former team mates.
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I am so sorry for your loss. What a community leader he was! He is gone but his good work and all the lives he touched live on. I’m holding you all in my heart during this difficult time.
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To the Moore family and friends, it is with great sadness that I write this. This is a senseless and tragic circumstance.
My name is Dana Muldrow. I would like to share two relatively recent stories about my connection to Melvin Moore.
A few years ago, I decided to research my lineage on my grandfather Edward Muldrow’s side (son of Lex and Lula Muldrow). The information led me from Hope Arkansas to Randolph Arizona. I found several online newspaper articles about Melvin Moore as well as a book with a chapter about his mother. I contacted several places that were mentioned in the articles to track down addresses and phone numbers because I was planning to come to town. One person I spoke with told me that all I needed to do was come to the corner of MLK and Malcolm X streets in Randolph and ask anyone about “Mayor” Melvin Moore. My children thought I was crazy, but that is exactly what we did in June 2018. He was not home, but we were blessed to meet some neighbors and other family.
A connection with Alvin had been made prior to my second visit in December 2019. He said the best place to see his father would be the casino. Melvin called the casino his “work”. An impromptu gathering was set up. It was amazing to meet this “legend” of a man, to talk to other relatives, and just to learn more about who I came from.
I truly wish I/we could be there during this time. While I cannot be there physically, I/we are with you all in spirit. Please know that your Indiana family is keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dana, David, and Charles Muldrow
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My family has known the Moore family since 1960. Melvin Moore was always very kind and friendly to all he met. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the Randolph community. With sincere sympathy, Alice Leach and family
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I met Sgt. Melvin Moore in 1987 when I started with the Sheriff's Office. He was always a great friend. I remember seeing him at the State Football games. I had the honor of working as his District secretary for a couple years in the early 90's, before he retired.
Eternal rest grant until him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. God bless your soul 🙏🏼💖
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I met Melvin in the 1960s while working at the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.From the very first day we hit it off and became close friends.I watched him talk to people that had been arrested on how to improve their lives and to do right.I believe that was one part of his legacy,help others and improve the lives of others.His passing leaves a hole in the heart of many.You will always be on my mind Melvin.
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One of the finest human beings I was ever blessed to meet. He knew I was not going to stay employed at Pinal County, but treated me like family. He always spoke about his son Alvin. God bless and keep.
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Melvin Moore was always a very caring and giving person, I love that he came to my Youngests graduation in 2000, Jas's sister Janice. The graduation was here in Sacaton Middle School. It meant a lot to me and Janice, it was her 8th grade Graduation.
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