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Melvin James Butler, who has lived at the Edward Abraham Memorial Home since October 23, 1979, is a former long time rural mail carrier, who worked part-time as a barber.
He was born near Chickasha, Oklahoma September 28, 1894 to Charley Ellen and John Matt Butler. He had six brothers and four sisters.
The family moved to Custer County, Oklahoma when Melvin was young and he entered school at the age of six in the Cottonwood School near Custer City. When the boy was 10 the family moved to Roger Mills County and Melvin attended the Enterprise School near Old Rankin until 1912 when he graduated from the eighth grade. The next year he had three months more schooling at the Strong City School.
He worked at various jobs until 1917 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was assigned to the Quartermaster Corps. He had Motor Transport Training before being sent overseas to Paris for more than a year. He was discharged from the Army in August 1919.
After leaving the service, Melvin went to Barber School in Oklahoma City and opened a shop in Rankin.
In July of 1921 he began rural mail carrier service with the U.S. Postal Service, continuing his barbering on a part-time basis. He carried the mail for 42 years, retiring in September of 1964.
Melvin James Butler married Pearl Hazel Bocox, November 5, 1921. They had grown up in the same community and Melvin had worked for the Bocox family.
Mrs. Butler is still active and lives at Reydon, Oklahoma.
The Butlers have two daughters, Mrs. Hazel O'Mealey of Ponca City, Oklahoma; and Mrs. Vada Hooper of Canadian, Texas; a son, Earnest O. Butler of Spearman; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Melvin has been a member of the I.O.O.F., the American Legion, N.A.R.F.E. {Retired Federal Employees} and the Last Man's Club. He served as president of the American Legion chapter and the Last Man's Club.
His children remember the letters in poetry which he wrote to them and which were published.
He has always liked to work with his hands. At one time he painted his stucco home to took like brick, a two-year job. He was a "Tinker-Tom" fix-it-man, always repairing or building something.
Until his health failed Mr. Butler lived at Reydon.
Services were held Sunday, May 17, 1981 in Reydon Community Building with Rev. Homer Williams officiating. Interment in Lawn Haven Cemetery, Clovis, New Mexico.
Pallbearers were Richard Smith, Dick Parks, Gene Estes, John Patton, Billy Hooper and Eddie Butler.
Honorary pallbearers were Larry O'Mealey, Bob Hooper, Ricky Butler, James Butler, Linville Lee and Benny Hooper.
Rose Chapel Funeral Service in charge of arrangements.
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