Ernest Gordon Melville, 95, of Norborne, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Ernest was born on August 30, 1930, in Brunswick, the son of Raymond and Hilda Iola (Masters) Melville. He was united in marriage to Verna Mae Henderson of Norborne on December 23, 1948; she survives of the home.
Additional survivors include: three nephews: Charles (Janet) Webb, Russell Webb, and Darrell (Sue) Webb two nieces, Karen (Bill) Ward and Katie (Rick) Seek; a host of great-nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Edna Marie Bonney.
Ernest was raised and educated in the area of his birth. Following high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After returning home, he began farming in 1956. While farming he worked part-time as a mail carrier, part time for the Missouri Highway Department and 35 years of part-time service to the ASCS Office. Ernest was a proud member of the American Legion Association and was active in several community organizations over the years. He and his beloved wife, Verna, were married for nearly 77 years. Together, they enjoyed square dancing and spent more than 35 years traveling across the country with the Grand River Squares, making countless friends and memories along the way.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to donor’s choice in memory of Ernest. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Thurman Funeral Home in Norborne, with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M., with services to follow at 2:00 P.M. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and the Pence-Lovell England Post #1773, Carrollton. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Carrollton. Please remember to share your memories of Ernest with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
