Melvin Howell passed away Oct. 31, 2006, at Ralph Thorne Care Center. He was 81 years old.

He was born Nov. 29, 1924, in Burrton, the son of M.L. and Bessie Ann Barnes Howell. The youngest of five children, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dan Howell and two sisters, Vivian Armour and Ruth Heller. He is survived by one sister, Veva Navrat, Marion, and a brother-in-law, Nyle Heller of Hutchinson.

Mel was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the European Theatre of Operation. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

He was a 61-year member of the American Legion Lysle Rishel Post No. 68 of Hutchinson, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Bob Campbell Post No. 1361, Hutchinson-Reno Masonic Lodge No. 124, A.F. and A.M., and local civic clubs.

An important part of Mel's life was the 36 years he spent with Northwestern National Life Insurance Co., as an agent and district manager.

On June 5, 1943, he married his high school sweetheart, Margery Dole. She survives.

Other survivors include: a son, Steven Howell and Judy of Hutchinson; a daughter Jane Easter and Brad of Hutchinson; and a daughter-in-law Carol Howell, Buhler. He was preceded in death by a son, Melvin Lewis Howell. Other survivors include four grandsons; three granddaughters; two step-granddaughters and several great grandchildren.

Funeral will be Friday, Nov. 3 at 10:30 a.m. at Elliott Chapel, 1219 North Main, Hutchinson. Burial will be in Burrton City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.Thursday with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of Reno County or Park Place Christian Church, in care of the mortuary.