Melvin “Mel” Dale Huxman met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face on March 18, 2021 at the age of 90 in Moundridge, Kansas. He was born on March 26, 1930, the youngest of Rudolph and Esther (Meyer) Huxman on the home farm place east of Moundridge.
August 10, 1951, he married his dear wife, Wanetta Holdeman, and they would have celebrated their 70th anniversary this year. When he arrived at Pine Village/Hospice a week and a half ago, it was said more than once, “oh yes…they are the cute little couple walking around holding hands.” Together and not often apart.
She survives along with their five children, Donna (Greg) Carlson, Streamwood, IL; Gary (Marci) Huxman, Moundridge; Nancy (Larry) Ediger, Newton; Rodney (Kay) Huxman, Moundridge; Karla (Robert) Wenger, Versailles, MO. Other survivors include grandchildren, Geoffrey Carlson, Vincent Carlson, Sean Carlson, Cassondra Basinger, Bryson Huxman, Tiffany Huxman, Janina Fisher, Jeremy Ediger, Kristen Bauman, Kendra Eveland, Kimbra DenHartog, Kyle Huxman, Veronica Martinez and Trevor Wenger; along with 30 great-grandchildren; one sister, Emma Ruth Schmidt; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Elmer and Orlin, and grandson, Derek Wenger.
In his nearly 91 years, he lived in homes within four miles of Moundridge as a life-long farmer and loved his 35 years as an oil-well pumper before retiring. In the winters, he enjoyed ice skating. His love of music gave him opportunities to be in a men’s quartet and attend Quartet Jubilee’s, Messiah concerts in Lindsborg every year and his children’s/grandchildren’s concerts. Because of his personal relationship with Jesus that began as a teen, his volunteer involvement in the church included being the ‘first media director’ (using cassettes), a member of a variety of boards and, with his wife, as leaders of the youth group. Their gifts to missions have ministered both locally and to many around the world. One of his highlights was an Israel trip where he had the chance to “walk today where Jesus walked.” Although his education took him only to an eighth-grade graduation, he was a voracious reader. In the summer, he looked forward to the rodeo on the third week of July in Pretty Prairie. His greatest blessings, though, were his family and he cried tears of joy when all were together for gatherings. He also proved he was one of the best jokesters by gently guiding the grandkids around Christmas to stand under the mistletoe to give them a smack.
Friends may pay their respects to Mel from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, March 22, 2021 at Moundridge Funeral Home, with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 23 at Garden Community Church, 6520 N. Halstead Road, Moundridge, Kansas. The service will be livestreamed here.
Private family interment will be held at Mound Township Cemetery, Moundridge. In lieu of flowers, please direct your memorials to Heart Ministries, Inc.; Victory Village Christian Academy, P.O Box 2068; Hutchinson, Kansas; 67504-2068.
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