Melba Cardwell

Melba June (Parks) Cardwell was born on July 19, 1937, in Sikeston, MO. to JB and Pauline Parks. She passed away on July 10, 2025, in Midland, TX.

Melba was raised in Sikeston until her family moved to Tatum, NM, in her sophomore year of high school. While in high school, Melba made many friends. One of her friends she worked for at the Coyote Den, Ruby Cardwell, would later become her mother-in-law.

On September 21, 1957, she married Walter Cardwell. They raised two daughters, Pamela Diane and Rebecca Jo. She worked for Tatum Schools in several capacities: elementary secretary, substitute teacher, and later a bus driver. Melba served on the city council and then served as Mayor.

In 1985, she and Walt moved to Big Spring, TX with Amoco. Melba worked for the Big Spring Chamber of Commerce and later for SWCD. In 1990, they moved again to Odessa, TX. She worked for CG and Company before becoming a full-time Granny to her grandchildren.

Melba was very outgoing and made friends everywhere she went. She was a very hard worker and was passionate about everything she did, but her true love in life was being a mom and a Granny. Melba loved her family with her whole heart, especially her grandkids. She was their biggest cheerleader in life and spoiled them all rotten. She loved Christmas and would decorate her house with hundreds of snowmen each year.

Melba was preceded in death by her husband Walt, parents JB and Pauline Parks and her sister Beverly Shelton. Her in-laws Skeet and Ruby Cardwell, brother-in-law Johnny Lee Cardwell, sister-in-law Gail Daniell, and two nephews.

She is survived by her daughter Pamela Cunningham and husband Mickey. Grandsons Jay Cunningham, Klay Cunningham, and wife Natalie. Her daughter Rebecca Warren and husband Gary. Grandson Kaleb Warren, granddaughter Madelyn Franks and husband Kyle, and great-grandchildren Percy Alan and Opal Grace Franks. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Barbara Benge and several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Pallbearers will be Mickey Cunningham, Jay Cunningham, Klay Cunningham, Gary Warren, Kaleb Warren, and Kyle Franks.

Melba’s family would like to thank Dr. PK Patel, Lowery’s In- Home Care Service and her caregivers Diana, Dottie, Blanca, Rosie, Mary, Liz, Gracie, and Flor for all the love and care they provided our mom.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that donations be made to Crestview Baptist Church in Midland, Texas. Donations can be made online at www.crestview.church

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Melba Cardwell, please visit our Tribute Store.