James William Melson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James William Melson, 78, of Altus, Arkansas, died Thursday, October 22, 2020 in Fort Smith. He was a Construction worker; was of the Baptist Faith, and member of National Horseshoe Pitchers’ Association. He enjoyed refurbishing cast iron park benches, building porch swings, and loved going to flea markets and yard sales. He loved family time and holidays with his children, grandchildren and his great granddaughter. He was born April 23, 1942 in Catalpa, Johnson County, Arkansas to Jasper and Elisabeth Kimbriel Melson. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Lossie Wood and Sarah Lucy Ritchie; and two brothers, Sammie and J. L. Melson. He is survived by his wife, Loretta Leding Melson of Altus; three sons, James Melson and wife Terrie of Lamar, Arkansas, Gary Melson of Clarksville, Arkansas, and Mark Leding and wife Sarah of Altus; two sisters, Mary Russell of Van Buren and Florence Sloan of Wesley, Arkansas; one brother, Paul Melson of Wesley; six grandchildren, Christian Storm and husband Dusty, Brighton, Kevin, and Aaron Melson, and Evelyn and Anna Beth Leding; and a great granddaughter, River Storm. Private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements were made under direction of Shaffer Funeral Home of Ozark.

James William Melson

April 23, 1942 - October 22, 2020