Melvin Willis Capps

Melvin Willis Capps, age 87, resident of Somerville, TN and husband of Marilyn Smith Capps, departed this life Friday evening, March 24, 2017 at his residence.

Services of Remembrance for Mr. Capps were conducted at 1:15 P.M. Monday, April 3, 2017 at the Rotunda in the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Memphis.  Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center - Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. Capps was born January 25, 1930 in Portales, New Mexico.  He was a graduate of Portales High School and was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ faith.  He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War on the USS DeHaven 727.  He received several medals and fought at the Battle of Inchon.  Mr. Capps was married May 5, 1962 to the former Marilyn Smith.  He was a telephone engineer for many years before his retirement.  He was an artist, enjoyed woodworking, country music, working on cars and racing Corvettes.  His most beloved hobby was flying.  He was a pilot above all else and his greatest thrill was when his children surprised him by renting a T-6 Trainer and he did aerobatics, grinning the whole time.

Mr. Capps is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Marilyn Smith Capps of Somerville, TN; two daughters, Shannan Rhodes (Lee) of Somerville, TN, Debbie Downes (Jim) of Harrison, AR; his son, Melvin Rance Capps (Sheree) of Marion, AR; his sister, LoReta Owens; two brothers, Bill Capps, Jim Capps; seven grandchildren, Richard "Boomer" Rhodes, Hunter Rhodes, Chloe Capps, Emily Capps, Kayla Salmon, Tabitha "Nikki" Leckner, Samantha Massengale; and three great grandchildren, Lexi Poor, Sawyer Leckner and Reagan Massengale; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob Willis Capps and Belle Deaver Capps; his sister, Wanda Gregg; and two brothers, Wallace Capps and Donald Capps.

Pallbearers were family members and the family requests that memorials be directed to A Night to Remember at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-to-remember-black-and-white-party-tickets-30704246227 .