Loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, beloved friend, and devoted pastor Melvin Joseph Fanning passed away on March 7, 2021, at the age of 81 as he was surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Melvin was born on March 29, 1939 in Milo, Missouri, to Ralph and Mildred Fanning. He was one of eight children, with three sisters and four brothers. He met the love of his life, Joan Seever in Nevada, Missouri and they were married on May 8, 1960. They had two children, Kathleen Diane and Melvin Wesley.
Melvin received his License to Preach the Gospel in 1968 from Calvary Baptist Church in Nevada, Missouri. He received his degree from Southern Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. He served Jesus Christ for more than 50 years pastoring churches in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. Health complications forced him to retire from full-time ministry in 1989, but he continued to serve in interim and supply pastoral roles. He passionately preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone who would listen until his last days on earth.
When he was able to do so, Melvin enjoyed playing golf, fishing with his grandkids, watching old westerns, St. Louis Cardinals baseball games, and cheating at Skip-Bo. He always enjoyed taking family vacations and traveling with Joan. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family and helping them with any of their projects.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Mildred, his sisters Roberta, Marjorie, and Luetta, and his brothers Ivan, Dwight, and Bob. He is survived by his wife Joan of Springfield, Missouri; daughter Kathy Friebe and husband Larry of Springfield, Missouri; son Wes Fanning and wife Tiffany of Clever, Missouri; brother Norvell Fanning and wife Charmion of Independence, Missouri; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren on the way.
Family visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, at Greenlawn Funeral Home – South from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 11, at Greenlawn Funeral Home – South at 10:00 AM, followed by graveside service at Olive Branch Cemetery in Milo, Missouri. For family and friends unable to attend, the service can be viewed live via Zoom, meeting ID 897 4676 6810 . Out of respect for those watching through Zoom, ****Please be courteous to others and turn off the camera and audio on your electronic devices.***