Mel passed away on October 1, 2026, at the age of 87.  He retired from NASA after 27 years of service at MSC/JSC. 

Obituary for Mel: https://carnesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/melvin-richmond-oct-2026 

Services will be on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Carnes Funeral Home, 3100 Gulf Freeway, Texas City, TX  77591.  The visitation will begin at 2:00pm CDT, with a Celebration of Life Service at 2:30 PM. Following the Memorial Service, a Celebration of Mel's life will be held until 8:00 PM at Esteban's Cafe and Cantina, 402 W. Main St., League City, TX  77573.

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, there will be an MCC flag ceremony at 10 AM for Mel's family and friends.  Anyone with a valid JSC badge can join Mel's family in the Building 12 parking lot.