Melvin Clyde Jarvis, age 93, of Springfield, MO., passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2011 in Woodland Manor.
He was born in Clinton, MO., on May 13, 1918 to Lara Brummitt and Marion Jarvis. At the age of five his family moved to Springfield, MO. Melvin married Geneva Forestine Howard on October 5, 1940. He was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who always put his family and others first. He was a member of National Heights Baptist Church. Melvin enlisted in the Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II where he served with distinction through the duration of the war. After the War, he became a noted watchmaker and a jeweler at Zerr’s, Fayman’s and Hocklander’s Jewelry Stores. He also enjoyed working and teaching music at Ike Martin’s Music Store. He also helped his brothers in their auto body shops. As a self taught musician, Melvin played several instruments and occasionally played with local bands. He was also a pilot who used to enjoy flying antique aircraft. Recently Melvin received the Missouri State WWII Veterans Award and Honor Medal for his military service during the War. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Geneva, and his brothers and sisters.
Melvin is survived by his four children, Rick Jarvis and wife Marcia Rauwerdink, Linda Paris and husband Stephen, Cynthia Day and husband Gordon, Anita Lea and husband Roger; eight grandchildren, Jaqueline, Todd, Geoffrey, Jennifer, Tim, Lynn, Justin, and Stephanie, and 14 great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Greenlawn North Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Monday, January 2, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of donor’s choice.