Rev. Melvin Leon "Mel" Milholland's Obituary
Rev. Melvin Leon “Mel” Milholland, 82, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026. Born on February 10, 1944, in Eudora, Arkansas, to Vester and Gladys Milholland, he grew up on a farm in the Welford community with his six siblings. A man of faith, vision, and dedication, Mel’s life was marked by his unwavering commitment to family, ministry, and professional excellence.
Mel graduated from Eudora High School in 1962. He pursued higher education at Arkansas A&M – University of Monticello before transferring to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in January 1968. In January of 1968, his career began with Continental Oil Company in Ponca City, Oklahoma, as an Assist Division Engineer and spanned decades of professional achievement with Riddle Engineers of Kansas City, MO & Taylor Riddle Engineers of Springdale, AR. He became a licensed land surveyor in September of 1972. On January 1st, 1973, he formed a Professional Consulting Engineering Firm: Milholland, Jenkins & Gray with offices in Fayetteville and Clarksville, AR. On January 1st, 1975, he bought out the firm and renamed it Milholland Engineers & Surveyors of Fayetteville, Arkansas, where his work as an engineer and land developer left a lasting mark on the region. He became a licensed Civil Engineer in February of 1975. He designed numerous subdivisions, both commercial and residential, including Ridgemonte Estates, Ridgemonte View, and Ridgemonte Downs-which became Barrington Parke, which collectively provided over 200+ residential lots to the Fayetteville area. One commercial subdivision to NW Arkansas was CMN. In addition, numerous communities enjoy public water systems for approximately 500 miles.
Mel’s professional achievements were matched by his dedication to ministry. His journey into faith began in 1971 when he was introduced to Pentecostal teachings. This transformative experience led him to a life of service within the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI). In 1981, Mel and his wife Shirley became founding pastors of the Winslow UPCI in Winslow, Arkansas. Under their leadership, the church flourished, and a new structure was built during their first year. Over the years, the Winslow congregation witnessed numerous baptisms and spiritual transformations. Mel and his wife Shirley pastored the Winslow United Pentecostal Church from 1981-2008, 27 Years. During their ministry, they also served as the Section 10 Youth Leaders from 1976-1980. In addition, Mel was very active in state ministry meetings. From the mid 70’s, till he took his last breath, Mel was a devoted and licensed minister of the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI).
Mel’s ministry extended far beyond Winslow. He was instrumental in the development of the “Church in a Day” (CIAD) initiative, which provided cost-effective church buildings across North and South America. His engineering expertise and dedication to service were pivotal in the success of CIAD projects, including the first CIAD church in Winslow. As of June 2025, over 160 CIAD projects had been completed, with countless lives touched through these efforts.
Mel also contributed significantly to foreign missions. He designed and coordinated the construction of multi-use church facilities in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, providing spaces for worship, education, and pastoral living quarters. His professional staff supported these projects without charge, reflecting Mel’s selfless commitment to advancing God’s work.
A man of deep faith and integrity, Mel was known for his love of teaching Bible studies, building churches, and leading others to Christ. His influence extended to mentoring future ministers and leaders within the UPCI. Many were inspired by his ministry and have gone on to serve in significant roles within the church.
Mel’s contributions to his community were recognized in April 2022 when Mayor Lioneld Jordan of Fayetteville proclaimed “Melvin Milholland Day” in honor of his service as a respected civil engineer and community member.
Beyond his professional and spiritual endeavors, Mel cherished time spent with family. He married Shirley Ann Roebuck on January 25, 1964, and together they built a life centered on faith and love. He is survived by his daughter Heather Milholland LeBlanc (Brian Robert LeBlanc) of Springdale, Arkansas; grandchildren James Bryce Atwood of Dallas, Texas, and Payton Camille LeBlanc of Fayetteville, Arkansas; siblings Fred Milholland (Betty) of Fort Worth, TX, Peggy Wells of West Monroe, Louisiana; Jerry Milholland of Sheridan, Illinois; Charles Milholland (Rita) of Bearden, Arkansas; and Barbara Mudge (Mike) of Port Sulphur, Louisiana; as well as numerous nieces and nephews including; Lonnie Millholland, Denise Wynn, Rhonda Milholland, Randy Milholland, Bobbie Wells, Roger Milholland, Nicole Milholland, Paul Milholland, Anita Anthony, David Hopkins & Angela Gambino. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Ann Milholland; parents Vester and Gladys Milholland; mother and father-in-law Essie & Jessie Breredlove; brother Julius D. Milholland; sister-in-law Sue Milholland; brother-in-law Charles Wells; and Nephew Steven Milholland.
Mel’s hobbies reflected his love for nature and family. He enjoyed deer and elk hunting, cheering for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and spending quality time with loved ones. His legacy as a visionary leader, dedicated pastor, and loving family man will continue to inspire those who knew him.
May his memory bring comfort to all who were touched by his life of service and devotion.
Visitation: May 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM
TPC | The Pentecostal Church
3700 Kelley Highway
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Celebration of Life: May 16, 2026, at Noon
TPC | The Pentecostal Church
3700 Kelley Highway
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Burial to Follow: May 16, 2026 at 3:00PM
Fairview Memorial Gardens
1728 E Mission Blvd
Fayetteville, Arkansas
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the following:
Pentecostals of Northwest Arkansas: https://pnwa.churchcenter.com/giving
CIAD/Church In A Day
Mail a Check to: "North American Missions"
Write "CIAD" in the memo section of the check
Mail to this Address on the Envelope:
UPCI - NAM
36 Research Park Court
Weldon Springs, MO 63304
Under the Direction of Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville.
To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
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