Melvin Rhea Edmondson

Ringling - Graveside Services for Mr. Melvin “Red” Rhea Edmondson, 79 of Rattan, Ok, are scheduled for 10:00 AM Monday, December 27, 2010 at the Ringling Memorial Cemetery in Ringling, OK with Rev. Alex Costea officiating. Military Honors will be performed by the Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard. Funeral Services are under the direction of Alexander Funeral Home of Ringling.

Red was born January 25, 1931 at Tabler, OK to the late Mr. Forrest “Frosty” Edmondson and Mrs. Beulah (May) Edmondson. He departed this life Wed. December 22, 2010 at Ardmore, OK.

Red was raised in Ringling attending school there and graduated from High School in 1949. He joined the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, August 26, 1949. He served honorably as an Army demolition engineer until October 6, 1952 when he received his honorable discharge at Ft. Hood, TX. Shortly before his discharge, he and the former Ms. Sammie Louise Tipton were united in marriage, February 4, 1952 at Ft. Hood, TX. They returned to Ringling and owned and operated a Refrigeration, Plumbing, and Electrical repair service for several years before Red became an Ironworker. He worked as an Ironworker at Texas and Alaska for many years. During his retirement he has resided in Rattan owning and operating a cattle operation in the Kiamichi Mountains.

Preceding him in death are his Parents, Mr. Frosty and Mrs. Beulah Edmondson, and one sister, Betty McAfee.

Survivors include his wife Sammie of the home in Rattan, Three Daughters, Regina Edmondson of Waurika, Cynthia Johnson and husband Robert of Palmer, Alaska, and Debbie Gray of Oklahoma City. Son, Randall Edmondson and wife Ellie of Kenia, Alaska. Sister, Vera Walker of Burkburnett, TX. 10 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Casket Bearers will be Jonathan Fleming, Tommy Finch, Jr., Tommy Finch, Sr., Randall Edmondson, Ricky Willis, and Jimmy Rapier.

Memorial Donations in memory of Mr. Edmondson may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be shared online with the family at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org