Melvin Walter Edwards, 80, of Holton formerly of Netawaka, KS, died Saturday, November 1, 2008 at the Holton Community Hospital. He was born October 5, 1928 in Goff, KS. He was the son of Ellsworth Burton and Lenna Mae Henry Edwards.
He attended schools in rural Nemaha and Pottawatomie counties. He was in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. He was a member of the Netawaka United Methodist Church, the American Legion in Wetmore, KS, the Netawaka Senior Citizens Center, and a volunteer fireman in Netawaka. He was a truck driver and owned Edwards and Sons Plumbing.
Melvin married Mary Ellen Beightel on August 31, 1957 at the Circleville United Methodist Church. She survives. He is also survived by sons, Mike Edwards and his wife, Helen of Whiting, KS, Loren Edwards and his wife, Robyn of Netawaka, KS, and Louis Edwards and his wife, Wendy of Netawaka, KS; a sister, Bessie Oden of Atchison, KS; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 6 sisters and 5 brothers.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at the Netawaka United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Netawaka Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Netawaka United Methodist Church or Friends of Hospice c/o Mercer Funeral Home, Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.