Melvin Alford

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Melvin Leroy Alford was born September 3, 1928 in Carl Junction, MO and passed away on September 9 at his home in Diamond, MO, surrounded by his family. 

Melvin was married for 52 years to the late Jeanne (Grissom) Alford, who preceded him in death in November of 2000. A lifelong Christian, Melvin was a member of the Diamond Christian Church for over 60 years, serving as a Bible class teacher and an elder for many of those years. He was an avid Bible student and personal worker. He loved people, had a big heart and was always willing to help others as he was able. His life revolved around his family and his church family.

An industrious man, Melvin began working in clean up at the old Camp Crowder. After graduating from Joplin High School in 1948, he worked for a time as a lab tech at the Old Rock Distilling Co before starting work as a meter reader for Empire District Electric Co. He later worked at the Jay Hawk Chemical plant in SE KS, then joined the work team at Vickers in Joplin, where he worked up to testing line supervisor. 

In addition, Melvin’s love of the land and cows was evident as he was a farmer and a dairyman. He loved to build and was in the construction business for several years before being elected to serve as Newton County’s District I Commissioner. He served in this position from 1990 to 2000, during which time he was instrumental in bringing the Newton County mural to the courthouse. 

After leaving public office, Melvin discovered he had a passion for working with stained glass, and his talents can be seen in the many beautiful doors and sidelights, sun catchers, Tiffany lights, and church windows he created in his glass shop. 

Melvin is survived by five children: David and wife Malinda of Joplin, Kathleen Reiboldt and husband Bill of Neosho, Dale and wife Terri of Diamond, Don and wife Donna of Diamond, and Jan Garbet and husband Mark of Granby. He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren, as well as two sisters, June Harlan of Neosho and Dorothy Fager of Topeka, KS, one sister-in-law, Zelma Alford of Carl Junction, four brothers-in-law, Dick Grissom (Wanda), Raymond Grissom (Donna), Robert Grissom (Beulah), and Ron Grissom (Debra). He was preceded by death by his parents, Charles and Gladys Alford, a sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Floyd Barnes, two brothers, Charles Edward Alford and Beryl Alford, three brothers-in-law, Emory Fager, Jim Harlan, and James Roy Grissom, as well as a sister-in-law, Dorothy Thomas. He was also preceded in death by his very special friend of 15 years, Bonnie Sue Macy.

Services will be Friday, Sept. 14 at 1 pm at the Diamond Christian Church in Diamond, MO; interment will follow at Hornet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7 pm, Thursday, Sept. 13 at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel in Neosho. Contributions in honor of Mr. Alford may be made to the Diamond Christian Church, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66, Neosho, MO 64850.

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