Melvin Eugene "Mel" Masters of Sheridan Arkansas was born April 1, 1949 at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the son of the late Ewell Rufus and Ethel Carson Masters. He was a member of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Prattsville, and was a 1967 graduate of Prattsville High School. Mel packed a lot of life into 73 years. He was a proud airman, having retired from the United States Air Force with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. With his Air Force training, he became a pilot. He went on to work for Goldens in Longmont, CO as a pilot when he retired out of the military then moved to McVay Drilling in NM. He was currently a bus driver for the Sheridan School District. He also was the administrator for Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville. He stayed busy all the time, and most of that time was spent helping other people.

Mr. Masters died Sunday, November 20, 2022 at his home, at the age of 73. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Claty Masters, and another sister, Linda Edwards; also a brother, Sonny Masters.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Jackie Masters of Grapevine; domestic partner of over 15 years, Kay Kessinger of Sheridan; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rufus and Vickie Masters, Lewis and Liz Masters, all of Poyen; grandchildren, Joshua Masters of Sheridan, Tyler Jennings of Prattsville; great grandchildren, Huxton Jennings, and Baby Masters to arrive in January; bonus children, Jason (Michelle) Colberg of Tiverton, Rhode Island, Kevin (Amanda) Colberg of Commerce City, Colorado, Amber (David) Anderson of Evansville Indiana; bonus grandchildren, Alexis Colberg, Aaron Colberg, Mia Colberg, Riley Colberg, MaKena McClure, Henry Anderson, Josephine Anderson, Molly Anderson, Madison Colberg,and Evelyn Anderson. He is also survived by a number of extended family members, and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, Prattsville, Arkansas, with Bro. Don Goodman and Bro. Neal Hollinger officiating. Burial will follow in Philadelphia Cemetery. Visitation is Friday, 6-8 PM at the funeral home.