Melvin Lee Branch, age 78, of Oak Grove, MO, passed away on September 7, 2024, at St. Luke's Hospice House in Kansas City, MO.
He was born on July 12, 1946, in Versailles, MO, to Elmer Lee and Wilda (Sidebottom) Branch. Melvin married the love of his life, Linda Joyce Paul, on October 8, 1976, in Versailles.
A skilled handyman, Melvin was known for his generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand. He and Linda worked side by side for many years, sharing both work and life. Melvin often helped friends and neighbors with vehicle repairs, and his passion for trucking led him to own and operate his own dump truck. Over-the-road trucking brought him great joy, and he found fulfillment in a lifetime of hard work. His toughness and dedication were matched only by his kindness and generosity with his time and talents. He was a devoted husband to Linda and a loving father to Shanell.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Linda Branch, of Oak Grove; his daughter, Shanell Branch, of Kansas City; his sister, Lola Hayes, of Stover; his brother, Larry McCasland, of Stover; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Roy McCasland; and his brother, Speed Robert Branch.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Scrivner-Page-Dady Funeral Home in Stover, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Danny Owsley will officiate. Burial will follow at Versailles Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Family Worship Center in Versailles.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
204 W. 3rd St. P.O. Box 64, Stover, MO 65078

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more