Melvin (Scott) Argabright, 84, Lincoln, passed away on Monday (12-26-11). Born (12-21-27) on a farm near Nemaha, Nebraska to Gilbert Scott and Clara L. (Radspinner) Argabright, the first of two sons. He received his early education at Champion rural school in Nemaha County, graduated from Nemaha High School in 1945, and from the University of Nebraska in 1951.
Scott met Dorthy Ann Dirks while both were students at Nebraska University. They were married August 24, 1949, at Dorthy’s home near Martin, South Dakota. Following Scott’s graduation in 1951, they farmed in Nemaha County for five years. In November 1955, he joined the United States Soil Conservation Service in South Dakota. During the next 25 years, he served as District Conservationist, Area Conservationist, State Agronomist, and State Resource Conservationist at various locations in South Dakota. He was a past president on the South Dakota Chapter, Soil and Water Conservation Society, and was active in Lions International and Toastmasters International.
In 1980, Scott and Dorthy moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where Scott was assigned as Conservation Agronomist serving a 12 state Midwest Region. He retired from SCS in 1992.
Following retirement, Scott and Dorthy continued to make their home in Lincoln, where he pursued other interests. He was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, a past president of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Genealogical Society, and worked as a volunteer at the Nebraska State Historical Society for 12 years.
He is survived by his wife Dorthy; sons, daughters-in-law Norman and Cherrie Argabright, Topeka, KS, Patrick and Karen Argabright, Jackson, NJ; daughters, son-in-law Virginia Argabright, Lincoln, NE, Diana and Martin Schweitzer, Swanton, NE; brother, sister-in-law Loren and Elsie Argabright, Medford, NJ; brother-in-law and wife Denaman and Leah Dirks, Custer, SD; 8 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren Preceded in death by parents.
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Friday (12-30-11) Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 8320 South Street. Rev. Nancy Flader, officiating. 3:00 p.m. Interment in the Nemaha Cemetery, Nemaha, NE.
Memorials contributions are suggested to the church.
Visitation: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Roper and Sons, 4300 ‘O’ Street and one hour prior to service time at the church.