Melvin Manuel Anderson

Country singer was Army veteran. Melvin Manuel Anderson, 72, of Washington, died at 4:35 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2005, in Washington Hospital, following a lengthy illness. Mr. Anderson was born January 17, 1933, in Washington, a son of Melvin J. and Gladys Hull Anderson. He was a 1953 graduate of Trinity High School and had attended Washington & Jefferson College. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He had been employed in the maintenance department for 12 years at Washington Manor Extended Care. Mr. Anderson was a lifetime Eagles member and a member of Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion. He was a country singer who performed in various towns and made recordings, which sold worldwide, including "The Woodpecker Song" in 1976. One of his greatest achievements was playing at the Grand Ole Opry Fanfare. He was known locally on citizens band radio as "Woodpecker." He enjoyed bowling and bingo. On May 14, 1960, he married Marie Lois Donaldson, who died June 9, 2000. Surviving are two brothers, Roger "Butch" Anderson of Claysville and John Anderson of Quantico, Va.; a sister, Darlene Pierson of West Alexander; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are a brother, Donald E. Anderson; and a sister, Bonnie Anderson. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 11, with Pastor George Plants officiating. Burial will be in Washington Cemetery.