Melvin E. Clutter

Melvin Eugene Clutter, 78, of Centralia, was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.

A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Centralia United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Born September 18, 1947, in Girard, Kansas, Melvin was the son of Marvin and Dorothy (Campbell) Clutter. He graduated from Girard High School in 1965 and attended Pittsburg State University. On February 1, 1969, he married Mary Leslie Reagan of Pittsburg, KS, and together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and love.

Melvin spent 30 years as a product designer for A.B. Chance Company, earning several patents, and later continued his career with the University of Missouri's Design Services department until retirement. His creativity, craftsmanship, and quiet leadership earned the respect of all who worked with him. Melvin was also active in the Missouri Sheep Producers Association and was a mentor to many youth in the 4-H community.

He found joy in gardening, woodworking, raising sheep, riding horses, driving tractors, attending auctions, watching old westerns, and cheering for the Mizzou Tigers. He was a devoted member of Centralia United Methodist Church for over 50 years, in which he had many cherished friendships. Melvin will be remembered and loved for his humor, humility, and steady kindness.

Survivors include his loving wife, Mary; children, Cindy Harris (Paul) of Nixa, Brenda Van Eps (Benjamin) of Springfield, and Michael Clutter (Melissa) of Springfield; grandchildren, Emily, Payton, Jackson, Samuel, Matthew, and Milo; brother, Dennis Clutter (Barbara) of Girard, Kansas; brothers-in-law, John Reagan and wife Patsy of Kansas City, MO , and Richard Reagan of Pittsburg, KS, and many dear extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law, Kenneth and Jerry Reagan.

Memorial donations may be made to Centralia United Methodist Church.