Melvin was the son of Edmond and Ida (O'Eddy) Alberson. He grew up in the Jack Fork Mountains and attended school at Jones Academy. During WWII, Punkin served in the U.S. Army. In 1954, he married Lucille Billey. He was a member of the Choctaw Nation and the Double Springs Baptist Church. He worked for the U.S. Naval Depot for forty four years. He is survived by his daughters, Victoria Lane Alberson of McAlester, OK and Sherry Foster and husband Jon of McAlester, OK; grandchildren: Michele Ramsey, Mike Ramsey, Jon Paul Alberson, Sherman Christopher Alberson, Randy Wayne Alberson, Wes Robert Alberson and wife Amber, Kimberly Rae Alberson; great grandchildren, Brayden Alberson, Nayukpa Ramsey, Pakanli Ramsey, Kyliegh Wooldridge, Emily, Riley Rae, Corey and Avrey Alberson and Marley Smith; daughter-in-law, Mary Katherine Alberson of McAlester and numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Punkin is preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; parents, Edmond and Ida; son, Monte Ray Alberson; daughter, Virginia Lou Alberson; sisters, Flora Ann Alberson and Classie Wallen; brother, Edwin Alberson; two infant brothers; and niece, Evelyn Prock. The family will greet friends on Friday, April 24, 2009 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Chaney Harkins Funeral Home, McAlester, OK. The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Choctaw Nation Community Center in McAlester with Rev. William Frye officiating. Interment will follow at Double Springs Cemetery south of Arpelar, Oklahoma with the military honors provided by the Choctaw Nation Color Guard. Pallbearers will be Wes Alberson, Randy Alberson, Sherman Alberson, Todd Wilkinson, Haven Wilkinson, and Ian Wilkinson. Honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters, Michele Ramsey and Kim Alberson. Arrangements entrusted to Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home, McAlester, OK.