Melvin R. Rison, 64, of La Plata died suddenly February 2, 2011.

Born September 3, 1946 in La Plata, he was the son of the late Henry "Buzzy" Rison and the late Claire Pusey Rison. He was raised in Indian Head.

Mr. Rison served in the Army National Guard of Maryland. He worked at Pepco (later Mirant) for 22 years.

Melvin was raised in the Nazarene church and had recently attended Sacred Heart Church, La Plata. He was an active volunteer at Mary's Pantry, Sacred Heart. He was devoted to his family and friends and loved spending time with them, whether at home in Southern Maryland eating crabs or on trips to Ocean City and the Outer Banks. He was a lifelong member of the NRA and enjoyed attending gun and knife shows whenever possible.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Regina Rison; sister Violet Kastroba and her husband Robert; brother-in-law, John Pugh; sons Richard Rison and Scott Rison and his wife Kimberly; nieces, Frances Schram, Carla Cox, Tonya Owens, and Carrie Howell; nephews, David Chase, James Lofgren and Shaun Pugh; grandchild Jayden Hicks; and special family friends Robert, Brian and Jennifer Rupp.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 February 7 at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, La Plata. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on February 8 at 10:00 at Sacred Heart Church, La Plata. The Rev. Ronald Potts will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Church for the benefit of Mary's Pantry.

Arrangements provided by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home.