Robert (Bob) Edward Melvin

July 26, 1940 — September 14, 2026

Robert (Bob) Edward Melvin, aged 86, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Bob was born on July 26, 1940, to Robert F. and Marie H. Melvin in Livonia, Michigan. Bob was preceded in death by his mother, father, and son, Robert S. Melvin. Bob is survived by his wife, Clarie L. Melvin, Jonesboro, AR, and daughter, Dawn Marie Burttram (Tim), Jonesboro, AR, and granddaughter Rachel Marie Burttram, Los Angeles, CA.

Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force in the fall of 1960 and was stationed at Ellsworth Air Base in Rapid City, South Dakota. In May 1963,Bob met Clarie Neigel when they were partnered in a bowling league. Bob and Clarie were married on November 23, 1963. Bob served in the Air Force for eight years where he spent time in various foreign countries. During this time, Bob’s son Robert was born in Denver, CO in September of 1964 and his daughter Dawn was born in Sumter, SC in June of 1968. After being honorably discharged, Bob returned to his roots in Michigan. He advanced in his job of selling heart monitors and then relocated to Ohio.

In 1978, the family returned to South Dakota where almost all of Clarie’s 11 siblings lived. Having grown up as an only child, Bob especially cherished being so close to his many sisters and brothers-in-law and all the nieces and nephews he loved so dearly.

Bob and Clarie purchased and managed Westwood Restaurant from 1978-1981. From 1982- 2001 when he retired, Bob sold insurance and did estate planning. After the death of their son, Bob and Clarie moved to Jonesboro, AR to be near their daughter.

Bob was involved in many different groups and activities including Barbershop Chorus and Quartet, Church Choir, Boy Scouts, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, CASA, and the New Horizon Band. He was also a Little League assistant and loved golfing, hunting, fishing, and playing pool. He never turned down a card game or a trip to the casinos and enjoyed cheering on Alabama Football alongside Tim and the Cincinnati Bengals alongside Robert - because Bob’s loyalties extended to the people he loved and their teams, too.

Bob had a knack for making people feel special. He never wanted anyone to feel alone or unloved. He loved telling stories, laughing, and bringing people joy.

Bob was a proud member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He and Clarie, along with two other couples, started the Cursillo movement there that is still going strong. They also managed the folk group at the 9am church service from 1983-1986. Bob was active in every aspect of church including being a lector, Eucharistic minister, hospital minister, and substitute teacher at St. Elizabeth Seton and St. Thomas More schools. He also taught CCD (faith formation) classes for many years to the youth of the parish. Bob’s devotion to his faith and church community will be remembered by the many lives he touched through decades of fellowship and involvement.