IRELAND, REV. DR. MELVON LEROY: Apr. 20, 1920 – Oct. 13, 2009

Bella Vista, AR. Born in Kansas City, MO to Victor H. and Minnie F. (McCoy) Ireland. He grew up mostly in the Kansas City area and graduated from Kansas City East High School in 1937. He attended Midland Lutheran College, Fremont, NE, graduated May 20, 1942, and married E. Joyce French, daughter of Everett and Edith (Spangler) French of Fremont the same day.

At Dallas, TX, he earned a divinity degree at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. Back in Nebraska, he served Methodist churches in Pierce, Wauneta, Blair and Norfolk. Joyce Ireland died at Norfolk, November 1963. Melvon began a six year term as Superintendent of the Omaha District of the United Methodist Churcvh in 1964. He married Ruth E. (DeKay) Willoughby June 11, 1966 in Omaha and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by Nebraska Wesleyan University that year. He later served Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln and his final charge at Scottsbluff. After nearly 42 years in active ministry, he and Ruth retired to Bella Vista, AR in 1985. They moved to Concordia Retirement Community in August 2003.

Survivors include his wife Ruth, Bella Vista, AR; children Daniel (Joleen) Ireland, Bozeman, MT; Lynne Ireland, Lincoln, NE; stepchildren, Curtis (Doris) Willoughby, Littleton, CO; Ramona Walhof, Boise, ID; Susan Ford, Maplewood, MO; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers Ralph (Mary) Ireland, Raytown, MO; Robert (Morine), Overbroook, KS; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, first wife Joyce, daughter Judith, and brother Victor Ireland.

MEMORIAL SERVICE 10:30 am Monday, Christ United Methodist Church, Lincoln, where inurnment will occur, Rev. James Miller officiating. Memorials in lieu of flowers to any program or fund at First United Methodist Church, Bella Vista, or charity of one’s choice.