Dr. John Richard Melland, Sr., 86, died December 15, 2021, at his home.  He was born October 6, 1935, in Hutchinson, to John Arndt and Jeanne Ann (Plouff) Melland.

John graduated from St. Teresa High School, Rockhurst College, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry.  He enjoyed taking care of many patients over the years at his dental practice.  In his spare time, John enjoyed golfing, hunting, and watching his children take part in sporting events.  He was a member of Prairie Dunes County Club, American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68, Knights of Columbus #7279, and Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson.

On March 15, 1957, he married Darlene Ann Pfannenstiel, in Kansas City, MO.  She died January 14, 2009, after sharing almost 52 years of marriage.

John is survived by:  children, Mary Leimbach (Mike) of Frisco, NC, Richard Melland of Anamosa, IA, Micheal Melland of Havre, MT, Patrick Melland (Wendy), Paul Melland (Michelle), all of Kansas City, MO, Angella Schrock (Matthew) of Hutchinson, Kathleen Courington (Max) of Ballwin, MO, Jeanne Davison (Stephen) of Lakewood, CO; and Tom Melland of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, John Leimbach, Alexander Leimbach, Alexis Marie Melland-Bokenkotter, Dakota Shae Melland, Patrick Bryan Melland, Jr., Patricia Eileen Melland, Andrew Boylan Melland, Hayley Elizabeth Melland, Sydney Ann Melland, Joseph Allen Schrock, Madison Nicole Schrock, Elizabeth Marie Schrock, Hannah Kathleen Schrock, Jack Thomas Courington, Samantha Darlene Courington, Benjamin Aegidius Davison, Mary Gayle Davison, Noah James Davison; and a great-grandchild, Arielle Leimbach.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; three brothers; and one sister.

Parish Rosary will be 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Church of the Holy Cross, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating. There will be a eulogy given prior to the Mass, starting at 10:45 a.m. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Church of the Holy Cross, ALS Association, Mid-America Chapter, or United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, all in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.