Melvin J. "Shorty" LaClair, 84, of New River, AZ, formerly of Mayetta, KS died Monday, February 22, 2010 at his residence in Arizona. He was born Sepember 29, 1925 in Mayetta, the son of William and Mary Elizabeth Lasley LaClair.
He was a printer for Phoenix Indian School before his retirement. He was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. He was a veteran of the United States Navy.
Melvin married Rosabelle O. Perrault on August 27, 1951 in Mayetta. She preceded him in death on September 29, 2001. He was also preceded by a son, Mark LaClair; sisters, Leoma LaClair and Winifred Killebrew; and a brother, William D. LaClair. He is survived by his daughter, Renee LaClair of Phoenix and his son, Jon LaClair of Phoenix; brother, Milton LaClair of Mayetta; sister, Arlene Lingo of Mayetta; and a granddaughter, Tawny LaClair.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 26, 2010 at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church east of Mayetta. A Rosary will be recited Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will be at Shipshee Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post #410. Memorials may be given to Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.