HOISINGTON — Melvin Lee Harmon, 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, July 28, 2024, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. He was born March 28, 1934, in Great Bend, Kan., to Luther L. and Mabel Zona (Slaemer) Harmon. Melvin married Helen Vasquez March 2, 1963, in Great Bend. Helen passed away July 25, 2011.

Melvin, a lifelong resident of Hoisington, was a veteran of the U.S. Army, during the Korean Conflict earning the rank of SP3 (T) upon his Honorable Discharge and later was employed as a custodian for U.S.D. #431 for many years. In his early years, Melvin worked for the Central Kansas Cheese Plant, Herb Weiser Conoco, and Brit Spaugh Park and Zoo. He was a member of St. John

the Evangelist Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #1521, and enjoyed NASCAR, “jalopy” racing, gardening, rock and coin collecting, and was an avid sports fan, especially being an outstanding supporter for his children and all Cardinal students. He was also known as being an honorary football coach for the Cardinals, and in his younger years could be found doing impressive acrobatic dives at Lake Barton.

Survivors include two sons Mike Harmon (Diane) of Hoisington, and Larry Harmon of Hoisington; two daughters, Elena Hickey (Kurt) of Coldspring, Texas, and Angie Winchell (Jeff) of Cleveland, Texas; one sister, Hazel Lotring of Norfolk, Conn.; 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, with an additional one to arrive soon. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Donald Harmon, Floyd Harmon and David Harmon; and two sisters, Donna Cape and Vernita Schroeder.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, with Father Warren Stecklein presiding. Military Honors will be provided by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, with a Vigil and Knights of Columbus Rosary at

7 p.m. Cremation will follow services with a private family inurnment at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington.

Memorials may be given to St. John Catholic Cemetery Fund or Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

P.O. Box 146 

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 30, 2024