MELVIN CLYDEEN WILLARD

Melvin Clydeen Willard, age 73, former resident of 315 Ivy, and more recently of 1012 S. Margrave, Fort Scott, Kan., died Monday, June 30, 2008, at St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Mo. He was born February 15, 1935 in Mapleton, Kan., the son of Clyde Marion Willard and Mildred G. Harris Willard. Melvin was a graduate of Bronson High School and Fort Scott Junior College. He married Elinor Jean Rogers on September 21, 1964 in Iola, Kan. She preceded him in death on December 24, 2001.

Melvin was retired from the maintenance department with Western Insurance Company. He was a member of the Mount Olive Church of God in Christ where he has served as deacon, trustee board, and Sunday school superintendent.

Survivors include a son, Harvey Rogers, Fort Scott; five daughters, Rhonda Willard, Catherine Johnson and husband James, and Roda Khalaf, all of Fort Scott, Lettie Gunnels, Sterling, Kan. and Deiadra Lee, Iola, Kan.

Also surviving is a brother, Carl J. Willard, Clinton, Mo.; three sisters, Minnie Ola Wrenn, Mary Etta Willard and Edith Hawkins, all of Fort Scott; a aunt, Nina Jones, Fort Scott; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, a great-granddaughter, Mei Johnson and a brother, Robert Willard.

Elder John T. Owens and Pastor Pete Pulliam will conduct funeral services at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, in the Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ. Burial will follow in U. S. National Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post No. 1165 V.F.W. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m., Thursday until service time at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Olive Church of God and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.