Melvin J. Block, age 81 of Troy, passed away Friday, December 23, 2016 at Koester Pavilion, Troy. He was born April 4, 1935 in Prescott, AR to the late John and Susie (Spence) Block.

Melvin is survived by daughter and son-in-law: Phyllis and Gary Battle of Troy; 6 sons and daughters-in-law: Melvin Block, Jr. and Amanda Block of Troy, Kenneth and Kim Block of Troy, Kevin and Becky Block of Sidney, Victor Block and Linda Lebarron-Block of Panama City, FL, Timothy and Annette Block of Copperas Cove, TX, and Craig and Jodi Block of Troy; 13 grandchildren: Yolanda Battle, Patria Battle, Derrek Block, Curtis Block, William Block, Jon Reed, Kayla Block, Kameron Block, Nicholas Cunningham, Victor Block, Jr., Juanita Block, Crystal Block, and Victoria Block; 14 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and brother-in-law: Mary Sue and Rev. Edward Hampton of West Memphis, AR, Joyce Owens of Sacramento, CA, and Sudonia McGill of Los Angeles, CA.

Along with his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Mary (Staggers) Block on March 14, 2005; grandson Tommy Battle; brothers John Block, L.C. Block, and R.C. Block; half-brothers Buster Block, Clemmine Block, and Jew Lee Block; half-sisters Carrie Armstrong, Josie Block, and Bulah Pace.

Melvin was a retired Machinist from the former Hobart Brothers in Troy after 32 years of service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, working on cars, gardening, and also had a small house painting business.

A funeral service will be held 10:30AM Friday, December 30, 2016 at Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, Troy with Pastor Charles Carnes officiating. Visitation will be from 3PM-7PM Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home, Troy. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Troy. Arrangements entrusted to Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home, Troy.