Robert Louis Babers was born on August 7 , 1943 in Dallas, Texas to Louis and Jennie (Fields) Babers. He was the first of 16 children, seven boys and nine girls.

Melvin was raised in Dallas, Texas and attended school at Julius Fraser Public School.

He accepted Christ early in life and united with Baptist Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.

Robert passed away on May 30 , 2018 in Palestine, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Jennie Babers; five siblings, Audie Babers, Linda D. Johnson, Katherine E. Thompson, Vickie E. Babers and Frank Babers; brother-in-law, Dominique Hill.

He is survived by: three sons, Robert L. (Winifred) Babers, Jr., Louis Babers and Howard L. Babers, all of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Sonya (Elijah) Matthews of Dallas, Texas; brothers, Arthur (Doris), Harold (Josephine), Willie (Terry) all of Dallas, Texas, David (Linda), California and Calvin, Dallas, Texas; sisters, Shirley (Mason), Dallas, Texas, Carol (Calvin), Palestine, Texas, Vivian, Jeannette (Kelvin), Jenise, all of Dallas, Texas; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.