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Dennis Wayne Melvin

Family and friends of Dennis Wayne Melvin,72, West Plains, Missouri are invited to attend funeral services at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday November 21st, 2020 at 10:30 am., under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

 

Mr. Melvin peacefully passed away Thursday, November 19th, 2020 at his home surrounded by loved ones. 

 

He was born January 29th, 1948 at White Church Missouri, to Paul Leo Melvin and Nellie Elizabeth Hendrix Melvin. He was blessed to have grown up on the farm in White Church, Missouri. He was proud to be from White Church, and passionate about his childhood and his upbringing. Wayne graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1966. On February 12, 1972, he was married to Wilda Wood. They have been together side by side for the last 48 years.  Mr. Melvin was a veteran, having served with the United States Army.  He graduated from Southwest Missouri State University with his Associates Degree. He primarily worked two jobs his entire life. First, working 13 years at the Shoe Factory in West Plains and later retiring from the United States Post Office after 35 years of service. He loved both jobs and was grateful of all the long-lasting relationships that he built, first as a factory worker and then as a mail carrier on the streets of West Plains. He enjoyed visiting with his family, following the St. Louis Cardinals, and just driving the backroads enjoying nature. Mr. Melvin instilled humility and a strong work ethic into both of his sons. He was a good husband and a loving father to his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and those that knew him. 

 

He is survived by his wife, Wilda Melvin, of the family home; two children, Denny Melvin of West Plains, Missouri, James Melvin and wife, Samantha, West Plains, five grandchildren, Amanda Melvin, Kirsten Kays, Dakota Phegley, Drew Melvin and Kaden Melvin; one great-grandchild, Grey Kays; two brothers, Ronald Melvin and wife, Helen, Springfield, Missouri, and Donnie Melvin, West Plains; three sisters, Rita Roberson and husband, Danny, Mt. Vernon, Missouri, Virginia Newberry, Valley Park, Missouri and Barbara Hanks and husband, Rick, Willow Springs, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Bonnie and Tammy Melvin; and many nieces and nephews of which he was proud.  

 

Although he only knew them for a short time, his caregivers the last few months of his life were very special to him, Nurse Stephanie, His Roberta, Nurse Makayla, Nurse Susan and any of the Hospice Staff that came to visit him. 

 

His parents, five brothers, John Michael, David, Ed, Tom, and Dale Melvin, his father-in-law, Dale Wood and mother-in-law, Marie Wood, preceded him in death. 

 

Mr. Melvin will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertsondrago.com