Melvin R. Handkins was born at the family farm in Kingman County, Kansas, and died April 4, 2020 in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 91.
He graduated from Kingman High School, then worked at the farm implement store in Kingman, farmed with his dad, and took classes at Wichita (State) University. He married his sweetheart Delia in 1950, after about 200 letters written while she taught music in Newton, and a couple of wrecked cars from driving late between towns. Mel then joined the National Guard and took officer’s training, later serving his country in the army during the Korean Conflict, eventually retiring with the rank of Captain in the Reserves. After returning home, Mel took advantage of the GI bill, and graduated from Kansas State University in 1960 with a degree in Industrial Engineering, while their 4 young children cheered and probably slowed him down! His first job was with Collins Radio Company, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which was making equipment for space launches at the time. Later, he worked for Western Auto in Kansas City, where he and Delia made their home for many years. Mel was a woodworker, restored antique clocks, sang with his wife and many other groups, played softball, and loved rooting for the K.C. Royals. Mel and Delia were always active in church, attending weekly at least, serving on various committees, and of course singing in the choir. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his loyalty to friends, and family.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delia, his parents Earl and Pauline, and 4 siblings Paul, Harold, Eugene, and Edna Marie, he is survived by his children David Handkins (Debbie), Dan Handkins (Shelly), Dianne Karges (Todd), Becky Zieman (Marshall), his 13 grandchildren, Tim Karges (Elissa), Josh Karges (Ty), Matthew Karges (Sunny), Joy Karges (Josiah), Natalia Hayes (Cade), Suzanne Zieman, Ben Zieman (Rachel), Bridget Handkins (Lindsay), Elliot Handkins, Gavin Handkins (Maranda), Rachel Handkins (Max), Jackson Handkins, and Mollie Handkins. He also leaves his joyous 5 great grandchildren, Noah, Abraham, June, Walter, and Lincoln, and many loved nieces, nephews, and friends, especially David and Susan Maughan.
Services will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 14, at Westwood Presbyterian Church in Wichita, Kansas.