Milford "Mel" Brand of Heavener, Oklahoma was born June 27, 1943 in Monroe, Oklahoma to Arvil N. and Opal G. (Mays) Brand and passed away May 23, 2024 at his home in Heavener, Oklahoma at the age of 80.
He is survived by:
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, Oklahoma
Damon L. Ritter and wife Krystal of Morris, Oklahoma
Three sisters:
Alta F. Crandell and husband Don of Moore, Oklahoma
Betty S. Phillips and husband Reggie of Dekalb, Texas
Valeria J. Wade of Poteau, Oklahoma
Two brothers:
Arland J. Brand of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Edward L. Brand and wife Reba of Wister, Oklahoma
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.
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.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener, Oklahoma with President Robert Egbert officiating. Burial will follow in the Vaughn Cemetery in the Gilmore Community under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be: Heavener Masonic Lodge #154 and Poteau Masonic Lodge #46
Viewing will be 12 Noon until 6:00 p.m., Saturday; 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday; and 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday.
The family will visit with friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday at the funeral home.
Visitation
Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel
Monday, May 27, 2024
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
710 U.S. HWY 270
Heavener, OK 74937
Funeral Service
Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
10:00 AM
710 U.S. HWY 270
Heavener, OK 74937