Melville "Mel" Borne Jr.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 

Melville Frederick Borne Jr., lovingly known as Mel, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the age of 81. He was born on August 27, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Bertha Adele Borne (née Hakenjos) and Melville Frederick Borne Sr.

Mel was a gentle and generous man whose warm smile could light up any room. He possessed an artist’s eye for beauty and a natural gift for creativity. A devoted family man, Mel shared a special bond with his mother and his three brothers—Marvin, Darryl, and Glenn. As he built a life with his beloved wife, Ann, and raised their son, Mel Borne III, he continued his family’s tradition of togetherness, hosting joyful holiday gatherings that brought the extended Borne family together year after year.

A true Renaissance man, Mel’s many interests reflected his curiosity and zest for life. Over the years, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, golf, sailing, skiing, photography, scuba diving, tennis, travel, running, and boxing.

Mel grew up in Algiers, Louisiana, and graduated from Martin Behrman High School in 1963. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana at Lafayette and later completed the prestigious three-year Owner/President Management Program at Harvard University. A licensed private pilot, Mel found joy in flying both for business and for pleasure.

Deeply engaged in his community, Mel was a member of the Bacchus Carnival organization and took great delight in riding in its vibrant parades. He was also an active member of Church of the King, where he regularly attended a men’s Bible study group. Among his favorite activities was volunteering with the St. Tammany Parish Woodworkers Guild, where he taught children the craft of boat building each year at the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival.

Mel is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Darryl. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ann; his son, Mel Borne III; his granddaughter, Amanda Mae Borne Foret; his great-grandson, Reid Michael Foret; and his brothers, Glenn and Marvin. He also leaves behind a host of beloved nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.

Services will be private, with interment at St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery in Covington, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mel’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation.