Lanson Blake Melvin

Lanson Blake Melvin, 84, of Arbyrd, Mo., died Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, at the Monette Manor Nursing Center in Monette.

Born in Cumberland County, N.C., he was the son of the late Wayman and Hattie Horne Melvin and had been a longtime Indiana resident before moving to the Arbyrd area in 1973. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, was retired from Frolic Footwear in Monette and attended the Church of Christ in Arbyrd.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers; one infant sister; one son, Kenny Melvin; one daughter, Mary Elizabeth Melvin; one step-son, Gary Dempsey; one grandson, David Dempsey; and one great-granddaughter, Hannah Kelems.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Maxine Melvin of the home;

His son, Randy Melvin of Roseboro, N.C.;

Two daughters, Patricia Cloninger of Leachville and Margaret Cloud of Monette;

Four step-sons, Danny Dempsey of Arbyrd, Michael Dempsey of Hornersville, Mo., Larry Dempsey of Southhaven, Miss., and Ed Dempsey of Leachville;

Two step-daughters, Caroline Rece of Leachville and Linda Perkins of Arbyrd;

Two sisters, Nina Jackson of Liberty, Ind., and Annie Rouse of Garland, N.C.; and

Twenty-six grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville, with Alvin Leach officiating. Burial will follow in the Cardwell Cemetery under the direction of Howard Funeral Service.

The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. today (Sunday) at the funeral home. A guest register at www.howardfuneralservice.com.