Dr. Melvin Elledge

Dr. Melvin Elledge, age 81, Joplin, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, at 9 a.m. at Spring River Christian Village. Dr. Melvin Elledge was born Aug. 10, 1926, in St. Louis, Mo. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. When asked about his experience on the aircraft carrier USS Randolph in the heated Pacific, he replied, “mostly below deck in the engine room.” After his military service he pursued his interests in the sciences at St. Louis University. He was accepted into the University of Chicago, College of Podiatry. He met Lorraine Anderson at a Halloween party in Chicago and they married on Sept. 2, 1950, in Denham, Minn. He practiced podiatry in Joplin from 1952 through 2007. He enjoyed his work and the many patients who became friends. He also enjoyed being home from work. At home he could fix about anything the family needed, whether it was a model airplane, a car part or a leaky faucet. As a joke, he would often mention that he needed “a bigger hammer.” He was active, with his sons in Boy Scout Troop No. 3 at South Joplin Christian Church. He was troop physician and an adult leader. Rain or shine, he never missed a campout. He was a member of Joplin Lodge No. 335, A.F. and A.M. As his illness limited his activities, he found challenges in jigsaw and Sudoku puzzles. He always had a saying to live by and a favorite of his was “don’t love something that won’t love you back.” His always cheery attitude and positive outlook will be missed. Dr. Elledge is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Lorraine, of the home; sons, Dr. David Elledge and wife, Susan, of Columbia, Mo., and Dr. Dean Elledge and wife, Sally, of Overland Park, Kan.; grandchildren, Lindsay Elledge, Abby Elledge and Samantha Elledge; and his sister, Eleanor Beck, of Granite City, Ill. Private services will be held followed by burial in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with Masonic Rites provided by Joplin Lodge No. 335. The family wish to thank all who sent the many get well cards and the many phone calls they received during his stay at Freeman Hospital and Spring River Christian Village. They would also like to thank all those who cared for him at the hospital and Spring River Christian Village. The family request that memorial contributions be made to the Salvation Army.