Melvin Anderson was born near Hope, Arkansas in the small community of Spring Hill on September 8, 1926 to Rufus and Mitttie Collins Anderson. He was the second child with three cherished sisters.

Melvin served in the U.S. Army during World War II then attended Freed Hardeman College where he met and married his wife of 73 years, Iva Anderson.

In 1949, Melvin and Iva took their first son, Michael, and went to France for a period of 4 1/2 years as Melvin dedicated himself to mission work in the Lord's service.  Upon returning to the states, Melvin remained active in church work where he continued as a gospel preacher for the Church of Christ in three states.  He and Iva raised three sons, two of which were born while in France, and one daughter.

In their last years, Melvin and Iva moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas to be near one of their sons and remained faithful Christians with continued influence on all who were blessed to know them.

Services will be held Monday April 3, 2023 at 1:00PM at Brazzel- Oakcrest Chapel . Burial will follow in Central Cemetery. Services are under the direction of The Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home of Hope Eddie Brazzel Director