J. Melburn Sibley

J. Melburn Sibley, 89, of Grapevine, Texas entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on December 16, 2024. He was born September 12, 1935 in Perryton, Texas to the late J.M. Sibley, Sr. and Iva Crutcher Sibley. 

He is survived by his precious wife of 64 years, Martha Sibley; his daughter, Michele Riddle and son-in-law, Ken Riddle; his son, Michael Sibley and daughter-in-law, Hanna Sibley; his granddaughters Julie and Matilda and grandson, David. Melburn had a special relationship with each grandchild.

Melburn attended Hardin-Simmons University, then transferred to Baylor University from 1955-1959 where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. He was quite proud to be a Baylor bear. Melburn continued his education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth where he earned his Master of Divinity degree and met the love of his life, Martha, through a mutual friend and married her nine months later. 

Melburn’s faithful service to the ministry started at Little River Baptist Church in Cameron, Texas where he served as Pastor from 1957-1961 during college and seminary. He also served as Pastor for FBC, Karnes City, Texas from 1961-1967. He moved to The South Texas Children’s Home in Beeville, Texas from 1967-1973 as Superintendent. Then, to FBC, Eagle Lake, Texas from 1973-1988 as Pastor. Next, Melburn served at the Southern Baptist Convention Stewardship Commission in Nashville, Tennessee from 1990-1995 as Vice President, Endowment and Capital Giving Promotion. Melburn finished his ministry work with Cargill Associates in Fort Worth from 1995-1998 as a consultant. Additionally, he served as an Interim Pastor of a number of churches and worked with First United Methodist Church of Grapevine, Texas in the areas of stewardship and care ministry. He cared deeply for the people at First United Methodist Church. Melburn served on the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. During his tenure, he participated in the decision for Baylor Health System to purchase the Lancaster Hospital in Grapevine. Melburn served on the BGCT committee to nominate trustees of Baptist institutions in Texas. All of his work experience and service on boards reflect his heart for the Lord and his community. 

Melburn was a servant leader. He served on several library boards and was the past President of three Rotary Clubs. He embodied the Rotarian’s motto, “Service Above Self.” Melburn’s time in the Grapevine Rotary Club brought many laughs over the years. His favorite hobby was fining fellow Rotarians at meetings as the Sergeant of Arms and even when he wasn’t the Sergeant of Arms. He sat at the table affectionately called the “troublemaker table.” Many laughs derived from the “troublemaker table.” Although he was a pastor, he was the quintessential prankster with a witty sense of humor. He could dish it out, and he could take it. 

Melburn loved his family and his friends well and made everyone feel valued. Melburn’s tender yet teasing spirit will be missed. We know he was welcomed with, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: 

George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Waco Campus, 1100 South 3rd Street, Waco, TX 76706 and/or First Baptist Church of Keller, 225 Keller Parkway, Keller, TX 76248.