Melvin Franklin Arthur

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