Melvin Johnson, son of the late Willis Johnson and Pearl Byrd Johnson, was born July 13, 1937, in Piggott. He died Nov. 3, 2007, at his home in Jordan, Ark., at the age of 70.

Johnson was retired from the St. Louis Carpenters Union Local 2214. He worked many years for Goodwin Construction in St. Louis, constructing bridges and sewer systems.

He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

Johnson was united in marriage to Sandra Lee on Sept. 9, 1994, in Melbourne, Ark. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of the Jordan Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Sandra Johnson of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Johnny and Carol Johnson of Mountain Home; two daughters, Rhonda Nolan of El Dorado, and Julie Johnson of Mountain Home; three sisters; four half-sisters; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, two half-sisters, a brother and three half-brothers.

Graveside services were held Tuesday, Nov. 6, at Hand Cemetery under the direction of Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Calico Rock. Pallbearers were Bill Yarbro, Jason Yarbro, Mike Pasley, Dave Pasley, David East and Phillip McFarland.