Charles "Melvin" Albritton, one of 13 children of James Howell Albritton and Arkie Owens Albritton, was born on Feburary 24, 1928 in Downsville, LA and died October 22, 2012 at the Perry Lutheran Home where he recently resided. He was 84. Melvin and his siblings grew up in Louisiana where he graduated in 1945. He worked for a garment manufacturing firm and then a gas pipeline company which eventually sent Melvin to Iowa. In 1951 Melvin and Helen Joanne Finley of Perry were united in marriage. They lived in Louisiana for a year and then moved back to Perry. Two children, Daniel Melvin and Judyth Joanne blessed their union. They recently celebrated 61 years of marriage. Melvin started working for Firestone in 1953 where he was a loyal, dedicated worker. He retired in 1984. Melvin was a proud member of United Rubber Workers #310. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping in their motor home at the lakes, and gardening. Melvin and Joanne enjoyed wintering in Texas for several years. He loved coaching little league baseball and umpiring. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents James Howell and Arkie Albritton, sisters Nell Allen and her husband Victor; brothers Marzel Albritton, Billy Ray Albritton, Royce Albritton, and 2 infant brothers, brothers-in-law Owen Finley and Clarence Borst. Melvin's memory will be treasured by his wife Joanne, son Daniel Melvin Albritton of Farmerville, LA; daughter Judy Mersman (Russell) of Nevada, IA; two grandsons: Ryan Albritton (Stephany) of Omaha, NE and Scott Kurtz (Michelle) of Urbandale, IA; three great-grandchildren: Andrew Albritton, Kamryn Kurtz, and Kayden Kurtz; brothers: Dale Albritton of Monroe, LA; Jimmy Albritton of Delhi, LA; Thesley Albritton of Downsville, LA; and Jerry Joe Albritton (Margaret) of Farmerville, LA; sisters Reba Howington (Ralph) of Titusville, FL and Joyce Guice Ray (Joseph) of Downsville, LA; sisters-in-law Trudy Albritton of Downsville, LA; Mary Borst of Norwalk; Leota Shipley (Harold) of Westminster, CO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.∼Charles "Melvin" Albritton

Perry

Melvin, 84, died Monday, October 22, 2012. Services will be 12 p.m. (noon) Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry with family greet one hour prior and during a luncheon immediately following the service.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Joanne; son, Daniel of Farmerville, LA; daughter, Judy (Russell) Mersman of Nevada; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; four brothers, and two sisters.

Memorials are suggested to Iowa Hospice in Panora.

Published in Des Moines Register on Oct. 23, 2012