Melvin Wayne McIntire, 3rd child of Carlos Ralph and Myrtle Marie (Shepherd) McIntire was born in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas on September 18, 1939. Due to his father’s occupation and family circumstance, the family moved often during Melvin’s growing up years. He attended school in Atchison, Cleaborne, Randall, Kackley, and finally Jewell. He graduated from the Jewell High School in 1957.
Immediately after graduation, Melvin joined the United States Navy in 1957 and was privileged over his 10 years of service to visit 27 foreign countries and travelled around the world. He served aboard the USS Currituck AV-7 and the USS Tawara. He served on Admiral Bernard Strean’s staff as an aide. Melvin was so proud of his military service!
Melvin always had a love of sports. Being one of six boys, they were always involved in some sporting activity, but Melvin’s favorite sport was baseball. He played in many sandlot games with his brothers and other boys in his neighborhood. When his ship made a stop in Cuba, Melvin was exposed to the game of fast pitch softball. That became his passion and he played for the military all across the US. Upon his medical retirement from the military, Melvin continued his passion for fast pitch softball in California and finally in Salina, KS. He pitched his last game of fast pitch softball at age 60, playing alongside his son, Jason. It was a very proud day for him.
Upon his return to Salina in 1973, Melvin met Mary Jane Hill and they were married in Reno, Nevada on April 21, 1974. They recently celebrated 45 years of marriage with their annual “cheeseburger and fries” supper at Freddy’s. At the time of their marriage, Melvin was driving a moving van for Richardson Transfer & Storage. When Melvin and Mary found out that they were going to be parents, Melvin came off the road and started his law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff for the Lincoln County, KS Sheriff’s Dept. Their son, Jason, was born in Lincoln in 1975. On January 1, 1976, Melvin was hired by the Saline County, KS Sheriff’s Dept. and the family moved back to Salina and have remained here since that time. Melvin remained with the Sheriff’s Dept. until 1980, when he ran for and lost the election for the office of Saline County Sheriff.
Still having a family who depended upon him, Melvin went back on the road. He worked for Haynes Transport, Taylor Petroleum, Inc., Doug Bradley Trucking, Airco, and finally Dahlstein Trucking. He retired from the road with 2 million safe miles. His final job was as a Terminal Operator for Nustar Energy at the Salina Terminal. He worked at the same job for 15 years even though the company was owned and operated by several different companies: ST Services, Kaneb Pipeline, and finally Nustar Energy.
Melvin drove many miles to see his son, Jason, participate in baseball games. It was a love that they shared! He had a wonderful sense of humor, but at the same time was a caring and compassionate person. He never met a stranger. He loved to “people watch”.
His greatest joy was the birth of his granddaughters and watching them grow into beautiful, talented, young women. He enjoyed attending their basketball games, volleyball games, and music concerts. He always lit up with a smile when his girls came to visit! Melvin was so proud of their accomplishments and encouraged each girl to go after their dreams! He celebrated with granddaughter, Taylor, when she got accepted into the Kansas Wesleyan Nursing School. He was also happy to hear of Emily’s plans to attend Washburn University to also study nursing. Melvin was so proud to be their “Papa”!
One of Mel’s biggest blessing came at the age of 75 years. He found out that he had another son, Brian Kelly. There was no denying it…..they looked alike, they both had a wicked, corny sense of humor, and the DNA proved it. Brian and his family made many trips to Kansas from Rhode Island during the last 4 years and each trip was cherished dearly by Melvin! He just wished that they had found each other sooner. Their story should have been made into a movie!
He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers. Melvin was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and the USS Currituck Association. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Salina. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Jane, son Jason (Mandy), son Brian Kelly (Andrea), granddaughters, Taylor and Emily McIntire, Kara Van Zyl (Christiaan), grandson Jonathan Kelly and great-grandson, Joey Kelly, mother-in-law, Joanne Runyon (Francis); brother-in-law, Alan Hill (Lynne), sister-in-law, Patricia Meyer (Darren), and many nieces and nephews, and a person who held a special place in Melvin’s heart, April Schissler (Kyle).
If you would like to honor Melvin, then stop by Russell’s Restaurant and have a cup of coffee! His favorite seat at the end of the counter will be available. Or, go to Freddy’s and enjoy a steakburger, fries, and a frozen custard! Melvin will be there in spirit! The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice of McPherson, Dr. Brian Pavey, and nurse, Jamie Snow for the wonderful care, love, and support during Mel’s last months. Their support meant so much! Memorials may be directed to Kindred Hospice Foundation, 3350 Riverwood Parkway, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 or made online at www.kindredhospicefoundation.org
A private family inurnment will take place at Crystal Plains Cemetery, Smith Center, KS. For more information or to leave condolences go to www.ryanmortuary.com