OBITUARY

Melvin Arthur Flora of St. Clair, MO departed this life in Creve Coeur, MO on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, having reached the age of eighty-seven years, eight months and twenty-seven days. Melvin was born in St. Clair, MO on August 22, 1938, son of Rev. Wilmer Russell Flora and Mildred Irene Flora nee Bay. On May 7, 1960 he was united in marriage to Faith Whitworth and three children came to bless this union.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Faith Flora of St. Clair, MO; by his children, Larry Flora and wife, Joan, of St. Clair, MO, Debbie Bragg and husband, Clayton, of Washington, MO and Tonya LaCrone and husband, Troy, of St. Clair, MO; by one brother, Ernie Flora and wife, Beverly, of St. Clair, MO; by his grandchildren, Danielle Bragg, Jacob Flora (Veronica), Jordan Flora (Haley), Macenzie Gaszak (Austin) and Macalyn Twichell (Austin); by his great-grandchildren, Kanton, Raeleigh, River, Kash and Kyson Flora, with one on the way; by nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Wilmer and Mildred Flora; by one brother, Wilmer Russell Flora Jr.; and by his sister, Geri Williams.

Melvin was a Christian and had been attending St. Clair Southern Baptist Church in St. Clair, MO. During his working career he drove a truck hauling freight over the road for Consolidated Freightways for about thirty years and had driven a dump truck for Jay Rice Contracting in St. Clair, MO also. Melvin was always busy doing something, whether working, or going to tractor pulls and auctions or raising cows. He enjoyed spending time outside, playing Church softball, attending the grandchildren’s sporting events or watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball games. Spending time with family was the most important thing to him. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will be cherished by them all forever.

A kind and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, May 22, 2026 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Bill Savage officiating. A private interment will take place at Midlawn Memorial Gardens in Union, MO. Memorials may be made to St. Clair Southern Baptist Church in St. Clair, MO.