OBITUARY

Melvin Franklin Arthur

August 12, 1935 – February 26, 2012

On February 26, 2012, Melvin (Mel) Franklin Arthur, age 76, passed away at his home in Gosport, Indiana. He was born August 12, 1935 in Unionville, Monroe County Indiana to Marion and Helen Purtlebaugh Arthur. Mel had worked for 35 years at Rogers Group Stone Company and retired from there in 1997. He was a long time member of The International Union of Operating Engineers. Mel was also a master luthier who made and repaired some very fine violins, mandolins, dobro guitars and other string instruments. He was a member of three bands, The Heavenly Heirs, The New Terrain, and Old Time Country. He was survived by his wife Lois (Annie) Parish Arthur, his son and daughter-in-law Cody and Elizabeth Arthur; also his daughter, Connie MacFarland, grandchildren, Julie Hayes, Jason Quillen and his wife Scarlet, Brian Quillen, Amanda Schmidt, and her husband, Greg, Nick MacFarland and Megan MacFarland. He is also survived by great grandchildren Anastasia Basham and Sierra Quillen, Shelby Rihm, Josh Rihm, Zack Rihm, Jason Whitler, Denny Whitler, Tre Quillen, Madison Quillen, Autumn Whitler, and Chris Quillen. Mel is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Karen Arthur, his brother Denny Arthur, his sister and brother-in-law, John and Sheila Robertson and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and by a sister, Delores Klaus, a sister, Phyllis Sims, a brother, Kenneth Arthur, an adopted brother, James Sumner and Mel’s first wife, Mae Arthur. As per his request, there will not be any viewing or visitation. Mel will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at the Gosport Baptist Church on 5 South 5th Street in Gosport, IN on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.DayFuneralServices.com

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Services

  • Memorial Service Tuesday, March 6, 2012
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REMEMBERING

Melvin Franklin Arthur

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RECEIVE UPDATES

March 6, 2012

I only knew Mel for a year or two, he became my friend very quickly and gave me the confidence to become involved in repairing instruments, starting with my own. I relied on him for a lot of advise and was able to assist him from time to time.
Last summer I got him to go fishing with Andy and me, he didn't catch any fish, said he had a sign on his lure "You must be 5 pounds or larger", He got a few bites, but Andy caught all the fish. I miss him already. I relied on his advise heavily.
Your friend, Dudley Simpson

Rex Hunt

March 6, 2012

I first met Mel at the weekly jam sessions held by his father-in-law. We would trade Dobro licks and talk about all things Dobro. He went out of his way to help me when I had a problem with my old Dobro. He was also kind enough to help restore my wife's grandfather's fiddle. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Diana Fisher

March 1, 2012

I will miss you Melvin. Heaven must be even more beautiful with you there!

Rusty Grubb

March 1, 2012

I haven't seen you in a long time but you was always in my heart.

ricky arthur

February 29, 2012

we will miss you uncle melvin we shall meet again in a better place .

Sam Goldsberry

February 29, 2012

Mel was a good friend for whom I have always had a tremendous amount of respect. I truly enjoyed playing music with him.

Gary Grant

February 29, 2012

Mel was one of the best musician you could know a wonderful dobro player and a beautiful person we will miss you so much.You are with Jesus now so R.I.P sadly missed by Little Grantville (Gary & Patty)

Bonnie Sparks

February 29, 2012

Mel is my favorite Dobro player, I enjoyed his sweet spirit, his beautiful playing and always his kind words. I won't forget him. He was one of the best creations our God every made. I will see him again in Glory land.

Amanda Schmidt

February 28, 2012

He is the greatest man in the world, strong, compassionate, understanding, funny, loving and constant. I always knew he would be right there to hold my hand if i needed him. I feel truly blessed to have had him in my life and could not have asked for a greater Grandfather. I love and miss you Papaw to the bottoms of my heart. Amanda Schmidt

Karen Arthur

February 28, 2012

Mel was the perfect brother-in-law. He was kind, soft spoken and had a wonderful sense of humor. Our family was blessed the day he was born.

IN THE CARE OF

Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home
Bloomington, IN
812-336-6331