Melvin Woodden

Melvin WooddenSeptember 14, 1938 – August 4, 2024Melvin Pervis Woodden was born on September 14, 1938, in Gordon, Nebraska, to Roy L. and Clara E. (Fancher) Woodden. He grew up on the family ranch in Manderson, SD, alongside his sister Betty and brothers Mickey, Merle, Tim, and Tom. Life on the ranch was busy with school, chores, and helping out in the family’s store.At the age of 11, Melvin had a life-changing experience when Edith Burglin introduced him to Jesus Christ at a Baptist Church in Winter, SD, on June 5, 1950. The following Sunday, he was baptized by Howard Burglin, an event that deeply influenced his life. Melvin’s relationship with Jesus became a cornerstone of his life, one he took to heart.Melvin attended Sunshine Bible Academy, where he completed his education before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on October 22, 1958. He traveled by train to San Diego, CA, for boot camp, where he earned a Sharpshooter badge and received training in communications. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, for the next four years, serving as part of a team that operated the communication center on rotating shifts. During his service, he was promoted to Lance Corporal and had the opportunity to visit several ports during routine maneuvers aboard ship. Melvin was honorably discharged on October 19, 1962.In 1973, a friend played a practical joke on Melvin, telling him about a new local school teacher, Kittie Harrison, who had invited them over for dinner. Melvin showed up at Kittie’s door, but she was out of town, unaware of the invitation! Despite this amusing start, they eventually met, and Kittie did invite him over for dinner. After a brief courtship, they were engaged and married on December 23, 1973, at Bethel Baptist Church in Rapid City, SD, during her school’s winter break.The following year, they welcomed their first daughter, Tabitha. A year later, the family moved to Dallas, Texas, for Melvin to attend a semester of seminary. Melvin supported his growing family by working at Sears as they welcomed Chester, Pamela, and Jonathan.In 1983, the family returned to the ranch in Manderson, SD, where Kittie began teaching in Pine Ridge. Melvin soon found a new home near Chadron, NE, where they lived from 1986 until 2013. He worked at Hardee’s for many years before joining the SWANN transfer station, where he continued to work until his retirement.Melvin was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Roy and Clara Woodden, and his brother, Merle Woodden. He is survived by his wife, Kittie Woodden; his four children and their spouses, Christopher and Tabitha Adden, Chester and Ida Woodden, Richard and Pamela Cashon and Jonathan Woodden; two grandchildren, Kalyn Cashon and Maxtin Cashon; and his siblings Larry and Betty Hackett, Mickey and Marilyn Woodden, Tim and Sandy Woodden, Tom and Betty Woodden, and their families.ReplyReply allForwardAttendee panel closed