Melvin “Butch” L. Nelson, 73, passed away Oct. 5, 2015, at his home in Geneva, Ala. A graveside memorial is planned for Oct 17, 2015 at the First Baptist Free Wheel Church in Samson.
Melvin was born Dec. 12, 1941 to Wilmer and Alta Nelson in Sanborn County. Melvin attended school in Forestburg until he enlisted in the US Navy in August 1959. He was in the navy until August 1968, during which time he received his GED.
He married Alice Cartwright March 1964. Melvin and Alice made a life together in Texas until  they both retired. They then moved to Enterprise, Ala., where they bought a convenience store/gas station. They were married for 47 years before Alice passed in September 2010, where they lived in Samson, Ala.
Melvin bought a motor home and hoped to travel around the country. He married Louise Simon in June 2012. Together they filled that “bucket list” and traveled all over the United States. Louise passed in February 2013.
He is survived by sisters, Marlene (Buell) Jones, Linda (Don) Godfrey and Diane (Hans) Ernst; and brother, Ronnie (Pam) Nelson; in-laws, Huey (Glenda) Cartwright;  step-daughter, Michelle (Scott) Milligan, an aunt   and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Melvin is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bill Nelson; and wives, Alice and Louise.