Melvin Eric Gran

Melvin Eric Gran, 97, of Columbus, MS, passed away on November 5, 2025 at his residence.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Gran. He is survived by his daughters, Bonnie Reed (Neil) and Katherine Gran; grandchildren, Greg Buskirk and Clint Buskirk; and great-grandchildren Cole Buskirk, Andrew Buskirk, Casey Buskirk, Kaylynn Buskirk.

He was born on June 20, 1928 in Chicago, IL. He attended school in Chicago and spent a great deal of time in Medford, Wisc. with his uncle Art.

He was a pipefitter with Phillips Flooring and Lumber Company for 3 years before he was drafted into the U.S. Infantry and served in Korea.

In December 1952, he moved to Henderson, Nevada to work at Stanford Chemical. He later worked at Wecco and AP&CC (later known as Kerr McGee). He transferred in November 1964 to Hamilton, MS as a maintenance foreman for Kerr McGee. His total time spent at Kerr McGee was 41 years.

He became the foremost welder and instructor in welding of fused quartz. He has instructed Representatives from all over the World here in Hamilton and in their respective countries.

He has traveled extensively for work and pleasure. Most of the U.S., Hawaii, England, Japan, Saudia Arabia, India, Holland, Australia, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Sri Lanka, and Singapore. When Melvin retired, he considered fishing to be his job. He was an avid fisherman. Fishing was his life.

A graveside service with U.S. Army honors will be held on Monday. November 10, 2025 at 2:00pm at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12 noon to 1:30 at Memorial Funeral Home.