Melvin Thomas “Tom” Spann

Capt. Melvin T. “Tom” Spann USMC, 83, of Benton, Arkansas, took his final flight to his heavenly home on November 29, 2024. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Tom’s legacy of service, kindness, and humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Tom was born on April 21, 1941, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Melvin P. and June (Sabo) Spann. Following his graduation from Stuttgart High School in 1959, he attended Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas and then Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Georgia. Driven by a deep sense of duty, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1961 where he embarked on an illustrious military career that spanned several years and culminated in his service as a Naval Aviator. After completing cadet training in Pensacola, Florida and flight training in Meridian, Mississippi, Tom went on to serve in Vietnam in 1965/66, flying nighttime missions. He completed his active service in 1973 but remained a proud Marine throughout his life.

After his military career, Tom returned to Stuttgart, Arkansas to help manage the family-owned KWAK radio station, where he spent many years in sales and as a DJ. Later he worked for Lennox Industries as the Environmental Safety and Health Manager and was, at one point, honored with an Environmental Conservation Award. Tom retired in 2007 and he and wife Mary Ann moved to Benton, Arkansas, where he continued his life of service to others. 

Tom’s community involvement was a defining aspect of his life. He was an active member of the Methodist Men’s organization and the Lion’s Club wherever he lived, and in Stuttgart, he was a well-known figure at the high school football games, where he was affectionately known as “The Voice of the Grand Prairie.” In his later years, Tom became passionate about serving others through Saline County Habitat for Humanity, helping to build more than 50 homes and impacting countless lives in the process. His warm humor, boundless energy, and dedication made him a beloved figure on every worksite. 

 Tom is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 51 years, Mary Ann Spann; sister Nancy (Frankie) Spann Chudy of Hot Springs, Arkansas; daughters Debbie (Charlie) Spann Schanen of Beeville, Texas; Cathi Spann Smith of Katy, Texas; Christina (Joe) Spann Perez of Portland, Texas; and Staci (Bart) Johnson Freeman of Dallas, Texas, as well as grandchildren Aaron Schanen, Joey (Amanda) Perez, Jake Perez, Jessica Perez, Megan Smith, Erica (Joel) Westbrook, Kendall (Kyle) Thomas, and Abby Freeman. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Kayden and Avery Schanen, Alanna Perez, Avery Brady and Whitley Westbrook. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin P. and June Spann and his daughter, Kimberly Johnson Selig.

 A man who cherished his family, faith and community, Tom will be remembered for his warm smile, his generous spirit, and his unwavering commitment to service. Whether at work, in church, at a football game or on the construction site, Tom touched countless lives and was deeply loved by all who knew him.

A reception visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church in Benton, Arkansas, at 9:00 AM on Friday, December 6, 2024, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 AM. A private interment will take place at the Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery in North Little Rock, Arkansas.  Serving as honorary pallbearers are the members of Habitat for Humanity Tuesday Crew.

Tom will be missed beyond measure, but his legacy of love and service to others will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tom's memory to Habitat for Humanity Saline County or First United Methodist Church, Benton, Arkansas.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.