Quick Facts
Biography
Cyrus William "C.W." Melson (July 9, 1929 – June 1981) was a Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from the Ozone community in Johnson County in northwestern Arkansas. He served from 1977 until his death in office.
An Assembly of God minister, Melson was the son of Virgil Melson (1900–1976) of Ozone. He was married to the former Kathleen Neeley (born ca. 1930) of Clarksville, the seat of Johnson County.
Melson's brother, also named Virgil Melson (born ca. 1934), was the unsuccessful Republican candidate in the special election held on August 25, 1981, to choose a new representative. The seat hence reverted to the Democrats.
Melson was among seven Republicans in the Arkansas legislature during most of his tenure. His colleagues were Carolyn Pollan of Fort Smith, Jim L. Smithson of Marshall (Searcy County), Jerry King of Greenwood, Richard L. Barclay of Rogers, Jerry E. Hinshaw of Springdale, and Judy Petty Wolf of Little Rock. During Melson's last six months in office, a Republican, Frank D. White served a single two-year term as governor.