Andre “Andy” Jean Melson, 92-year-old resident of Fairdealing, MO, departed this life Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, MO. He was born January 17, 1933, in Lawton, OK, to the late Cleveland and Gladys Melson. Throughout his long and accomplished life, he was known for his work ethic, deep commitment to the community, and passion for agriculture.

Andy began his career working with the ROTC in both Los Cruces, NM and Springfield, MO. Later he went to work at General Motors in St. Louis, MO before choosing a farm life and settling in Fairdealing where he established Melson Farm and Construction. Andy found reward working the acreage of his farm and was inspired by many varied and related farming activities. A pilar of the community, he was on the Ripley County Fair Board and instrumental in launching what would become a 50-year-legacy of the Ripley County Fair.  He was the Logan Creek 4-H leader for 30 years, shaping the lives of countless young people as they gained valuable skills. Andy was also a member of Missouri Sheep Producers and Boer Goat Producers. His hobbies included gardening, woodworking, and leather work.

On January 22, 1953, Andy married Faye Melson at the Southside Church of Christ in Springfield, MO. She preceded him in death on October 18, 2003. Later, on February 14, 2012, Andy married Sapphire Wallace in Pocahontas, AR. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, John (Carolyn) Melson of Fairdealing, Suzy (Ronald) Mitchell of Crowley, TX, and Michael (Debbie) Melson of Fairdealing; grandchildren, Aaron (Sarah) Melson, Ryan (Stephanie) Melson, BJ (Trinity) Bugger, Chris (Audra) Bugger, Jordyn (Trevor) Pitts, De’Armond (Sabrina) Mitchell, and Logan (Katelyn) Melson. He also leaves behind, great-grandchildren, Eli Melson, Evie Melson, Kaila Adler, Payten Smith, Noah Melson, Sylas Melson, Courtney Pritchard, Nicholas Pritchard, Maggie Melson, and Jack Melson.

Andy was preceded by all of his siblings, William (Bill) Melson, George Melson, Richard “Dick” Melson Catherine “Cate” Brown, Cleve “June” Melson, Leota Ruth Melson, Norman Melson, John Melson, Sylvia Needham, Arthur “Bud” Melson, and Margaret “Marty” Melson.

Visitation will be held in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, July 24, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Danny Miller will be officiating, and burial will be in the Melson Memorial Gardens.