Melvin Roberts

Melvin Roberts, age 86, a lifelong resident of Gravette, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at the Circle of Life Legacy Village Hospice Care in Bentonville. Melvin was born in Gravette on May 10, 1927, to Albert and Ruby (Medearis) Roberts. On Aug. 9, 1947, he married Betty Jean Schickling and they were married for nearly 64 years before her death in 2011. Melvin retired from the Gravette Shelling Company, and he enjoyed plowing and working with his tractor, feeding birds and spending time with his family. Preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents; and one brother, Carl Roberts; Melvin is survived by two sons, Ron Roberts and Linda Turner of Rogers, Terry Roberts and wife, Barbara, of Gravette; two daughters, Carolyn Bryant of Weatherford, Texas, Donna Austin and husband, Bill, of Gravette; one brother, Marion Roberts of Gravette; one sister, Alberta Roark of Shawnee, Okla.; five grandchildren, Brad Roberts of Bentonville, Brandi Harris of Keller, Texas, Kaitlyn Howard of Lipan, Texas, Colby Roberts of Gravette, Amy Roberts of Gravette; and nine great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday, June 14, 2013, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gravette Church of Christ, 202 Irving St. S.W., in Gravette. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2013, at the Gravette Church of Christ, with Minister Randall Caselman officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Gravette. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762 or (479) 872-3300, in honor of Melvin Roberts. Online tributes to the family may be made at www.bentoncountymemorialpark.com. Arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory of Rogers, Ark.