Melvin Cleo Backs

Melvin Cleo Backs, of Lockwood, Missouri, departed this life on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, in the Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehabilitation Facility at the age of 90.

He was born on March 26, 1928 in Lockwood, Missouri, to Fred and Stella (Brinkhoff) Backs. Melvin was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Meinert, where he also attended elementary school. He graduated from Lockwood High School in 1946.
Melvin was united in marriage to Helen Jean Kelley on August 18, 1956 in Springfield, Missouri. He was a lifetime dairy farmer. Melvin was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Fred and Stella Backs; his wife, Helen Jean Backs; and his sister, Evelyn Kremer.

Survivors include two sons, Norman Backs of Lockwood, Missouri and Stanley Backs of Lockwood, Missouri; one daughter, Deanna Cross and husband, Eric, of Oak Grove, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Florence McKinley; six grandchildren: Katelyn Backs, Emily Backs, Ethan Cross, Ryan Cross, Melynda Cross, and Addison Cross; one nephew, Howard Kremer; three nieces: Kaye Severns, Ginger Donohue, and Jo McClure; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2019, in the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in the Lutheran Cemetery at Meinert. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church or to the Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehabilitation Facility.
Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Services are under the care of Lockwood Funeral Chapel.