Mel Misner

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Francis Melvin Misner, better known as "Mel", was born on June 8, 1933, in Prosperity, Missouri. He was a man whose heart was as vast as the Missouri sky under which he was born, and his life was a testament to his love for his family, his profound sense of humor, and his unparalleled skill at the game of Monopoly - a game no one dared to play with him.

Mel, affectionately known as "Lover Boy", never once left the house without kissing his Iva Jean goodbye.

Melvin spent his professional life as a heat treat technician for Vickers, where he dedicated his time. After retiring in 1988, he went on to work for Webb City Schools until 1999. His life was filled with the things he loved most: Tinkering with anything he could get his hands on and spending time with his grandkids. He had a unique ability to fix anything, from a bicycle to a rubber band gun for his grandchildren. 

His first date with his wife, Iva, was a memorable one and set the tone for their loving relationship- at the Carthage Fair, they were caught in a hilarious incident on the Ferris Wheel, which led Iva to conclude that Mel was the perfect guy, right off the bat.

Melvin is survived by his loving wife, Iva, with whom he shared a beautiful journey of marriage since July 29, 1955. He also leaves behind his children Susan (Steve) Gartin of Webb City, Beverly Tappana of Webb City, and Mark (Deborah) Misner of Ft. Smith, AR; grandchildren Tara (Demetri) Mendoza of Ft. Smith, AR, Lacey (Rusty) Robertson of Joplin, Meghan (Jake) Aldridge of Oronogo, Jorden (Baron) Ochoa of Hampstead, NC, Mark Gregory (Ashley) Misner of Ft. Smith, AR, Larry Tappana Jr (Nikki) of Carl Junction, and Shelly (Mike) Foulk of Carl Junction. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Marie Misner; his siblings, Charles Misner, Eva Southern, and Bonnie Bever, and a son-in-law, Larry Tappana Sr.

The visitation for Melvin Misner will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023, at 9am at the Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City, followed by the funeral service at 10am. A graveside service will be held at Carterville Cemetery following the funeral. As we bid goodbye to Mel, let us celebrate his life and the joy he brought to all of us. His memory will live on in our hearts and in the laughter and stories shared around the Monopoly board. Those honoring Mel's life as casket bearers will be Mark G. Misner, Demetri Mendoza, Rusty Robertson, Mike Foulk, Jake Aldridge and Larry Tappana Jr.

We invite you to leave your memories and upload photos of Francis on his memorial page. Let's keep his spirit alive by sharing the joy, laughter, and love he gave to us all.

Funeral arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Mel.