Melvin Norman Shannon

Melvin Norman Shannon was born January 13, 1920 in Clyde, Arkansas. He was the son of Henry Leonard and Eliza Mary Shannon. Melvin moved with his family at an early age to Adair County in Oklahoma, near Stillwell where he attended Oak Grove school. He then attended Stillwell High School.

Upon completion of his schooling, Melvin worked at numerous jobs during the next few years including, service station attendant, milk truck driver, dairy cream tester and grocery salesman. He was married to Carmaleta Prather on June 28, 1940 in Stillwell, Oklahoma. Melvin was inducted into the service of his country during World War II on September 22, 1942. He served in both the United States Army and the United States Marine Corp during his military service. He was honorably discharged on December 1, 1945 and returned to Oklahoma.

Upon completion of his military service, Melvin was employed by Oscar Anderson, Big Four Petroleum, in Oilton where he obtained mechanic training under the GI Bill.. Melvin and Carmaleta had two children, Melvin Douglas and Joyce Darlene. In 1947, Melvin started a career in the pipeline industry. He worked for nearly thirty-five years as a dozer operator on pipelines throughout the United States, including, Florida, Texas, Minnesota, Wyoming and Montana. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 627. Melvin retired in 1982.

Melvin was a honest and hard working man who touched many lives throughout the area. He assisted in the organization of the Veterans of Foreign War Post in Jennings where he was a life member. Additionally, he was a faithful member of the Jennings Masonic Lodge 151, where he held numerous offices and rarely missed a meeting. He was also active in the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a member of the Mannford Full Gospel Church where he had been involved for many years.

Melvin was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed fishing an every opportunity and if he had only a few minutes to spare, he would grab a pole and head to the pond. He especially enjoyed fishing with his grandson, Timothy.

Melvin passed away on Monday, October 13, 2003 at his home in Jennings at the age of eighty-three years and nine months. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Melvin Douglas Shannon; and two sisters, Henryetta Petty and Ina Bigby.

He is survived his wife of nearly sixty-two years, Carmaleta of the home; a daughter and her husband, Joyce Darlene and Bobby Leonard Ryan, Tulsa, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Teresa Darlene Spencer, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Timothy Eugene Spencer, Tulsa, Oklahoma Vicki Jean Shannon, Enid, Oklahoma, Christina Lynn Shannon, Enid, Oklahoma and Susan Cherie McClain, Tulsa, Oklahoma; seven great-grandchildren including, Sarah Cherie McClain, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Ryan Wade McClain, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, October 16, 2003 at the Mannford Full Gospel Church with Pastor Larry Schiller officiating. Masonic rites will be provided by the Jennings Masonic Lodge. Burial will be at the Jennings Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Military Honors will be rendered at the cemetery by the Oilton American Legion Post.

Visit and online obituary and guestbook for Melvin Shannon at www.chapman-black.com.