Melvin Eugene Hale

Melvin Eugene Hale

Melvin Eugene Hale, 71, of Monette, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2015, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Grubbs, he was the son of the late John Herbert and Gertie Mae Stice Hale and had lived much of his life in California. He was a retired auto body repairman and had lived in Monette since 1981. Melvin was an avid antique and classic car enthusiast and was a member of the Buffalo Island Classic Cruisers car club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Lottie Spencer Hale of the home; three daughters, Beverly Laginess and husband Chuck of Radcliff, Ky., Rene Pitts of Monette and Mary Barron and husband Chad of Dyersburg, Tenn.; two sons, John Hale and Melvin Hale, Jr., both of California; five grandchildren, Heather, Jeremy, Joshua, Brice and McKinley, and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral service was 2 p.m. Sunday at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Rev. Leroy Douglas officiating. Burial followed in Macey Cemetery near Monette.

The family received friends from noon until service time at the funeral home. Pallbearers were Dan Staggs, Mark Douglas, Jim Mills, Henry Hetler, Rick Dawson and Asa Boatman. Honorary pallbearers included Dennis Johnston, Donny Wilson and Mr. Hale's grandchildren.

Guest register: www.howardfuneralservice.com