The world lost one of its most gentle souls on August 6, 2017, with the sudden passing of Mel Allen Whitney, age 65, of Jacksonville, Ark. Born December 19, 1951 in NE Ark., Mel grew up an avid duck hunter and willing to share his love of the sport with anyone wanting to hunt. Cremation services are entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Arkansas. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 2 p.m. at A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Arkansas. A reception following the service will be held at McArthur Church, 3501 John Hardin Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jacksonville Friends of the Animals 217 S Redman Rd. Jacksonville, Ark. 72076. www.jacksonvillefriendsoftheanimals.org. An online guestbook and full obituary is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

Published August 9, 2017