Obituary for Mel Brand
Milford “Mel” Brand of Heavener was born June 27, 1943 in Monroe to Arvil N. and Opal G. (Mays) Brand and passed away May 23, 2024 at his home in Heavener at the age of 80.
Funeral service is 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener, with President Robert Egbert and Reverend Paul Puckett officiating.
Burial will follow in the Vaughn Cemetery in the Gilmore Community under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
He was a long-time resident of the area, a 1961 graduate of Monroe High School, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Poteau, and a veteran of the United States Army Airborne and Special Forces, where he served during the Vietnam era.
Mel was a member of the Poteau Masonic Lodge #46, the Heavener Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Heavener Chamber of Commerce, and a former Commander of the American Legion Post #188.
He was also a former Mayor of Heavener, a Counselor for Oklahoma Boys State, and was active in Boys Scout.
Mel owned and operated Shelter Insurance in Heavener for many years until he retired. He loved gardening and yard work. Mel will be missed by all who knew him.
Survivors are his wife, Diana L. Brand, of the home;
Three sons Michael M. Brand and wife Irena of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, David W. Ritter of Norman, and Damon L. Ritter and wife Krystal of Morris;
Three sisters Alta F. Crandell and husband Don of Moore, Betty S. Phillips and husband Reggie of Dekalb, Texas and Valeria J. Wade of Poteau;
Two brothers Arland J. Brand of Oklahoma City, and Edward L. Brand and wife Reba of Wister;
Eight grandchildren Hunter Brand, Stephanie Ritter, William Ritter, Destiney Morse, Reiley Ritter, Jason Ritter, Jamie Ritter and Aidan Ritter;
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones, and a host of many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Arvil and Opal Brand; a daughter, Michelle R. Brand; a son, Milford Brand, Jr.; one sister, Lorene D. Johns; and one brother, Ovil N. Brand.
Pallbearers are Heavener Masonic Lodge #154 and Poteau Masonic Lodge #46.
Viewing is from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday.
The family will visit with friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
To sign Mel’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
