Melvin Gordy

Wilson Funeral Home

(660) 727-2117

MELVIN RICHARD GORDY

Melvin Richard Gordy, age 84 of Medill, MO, died Saturday, October 23, 2004 in Keokuk Area Hospital.

He was born January 10, 1920 at Kilwiney, near Downing, MO, a son of Thomas Anderson and Mabel Kinney Gordy.

He married Ethel March in 1945. She preceded him in death in 1970. Later he married Irene Jones Butler on February 6, 1984 who preceded him in death on December 21,2003.

Survivors include two brothers, Lowell Gordy and his wife, Linda, and Loyd Gordy and his wife, Louise, both of Arbela, MO; three sisters, Doris Everhart and her husband, Bill, of Carpentersville, IL, Betty Capps of Fayetteville, NC, and Lila Nicholas of Gassaway, WV; two step sons, Roger C. Butler and his wife, Jeanette, of Alexandria, MO and Norman Butler and his wife, Shirley, of Kahoka, MO; two step daughters, Neva Delphene Yates and Joyce McColm and her husband, Larry, of Kahoka, MO; a step daughter-in-law, Sylvia Butler of Kahoka, MO;

brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gene Durham of Arbela, MO, Inge Gordy of Austell, GA,Dorothy Gordy of Bowling Green, MO, Raymond and Lavonne Jones of Fort Madison, IA and Julia Butler of Union, IA; 16 step grandchildren; 25 step great grandchildren; 14 step great-great grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas A. Gordy and Mabel Gordy Sweeney; step-father, Herschell Sweeney; his first wife, Ethel, second wife, Irene; three brothers, Alvin, Paul and Harold Gordy; a sister, Opal Durham; brother-in-law, Ernest Nicholas; two step-sons, Bobby and John Butler; and a step son-in-law, Elmer Yates.

Melvin was a 1940 graduate of Granger High School and attended GI school. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater. He was wounded twice, receiving the Purple Heart. As he and his brothers left for war their mother gave each of them a small New Testament which fit in their pocket. Melvin's life was saved when a bullet ricocheted off of his Bible entering his ribs. This bible was very dear to him all of his life.

Melvin had farmed all of his life in Scotland and Clark Counties. He worked very hard as a board member of Athen's Park to get it named as a state park to preserve it due to it's historic value. He attended the Athen's Methodist Church and later the Full Gospel and Luray Baptist Churches. He had enjoyed playing harmonica in Harold Shelton's band for several years.

Although he never had any children of his own, his younger siblings and their families

along with nieces, nephews, step grandchildren and neighbors, were always welcome in his home and he was always happy when it was full of family and friends.

Funeral services are Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Pastor Mark Lowman officiating.

Burial is in Barker Cemetery in rural Scotland Co.

Friends can call after 9 a.m. on Tuesday with family receiving friends 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Wilson Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to the Barker Cemetery.