Melvin Leroy 'Mel' Fast, 94, died December 25, 2018, at his home. He was born May 28, 1924, in Burrton, the son of Cornelius F. and Nora E. (Berger) Fast.

Mel graduated from Burrton High School in 1942. He served in the 568th Bomb Squadron of the United States Army Air Force from 1943 to 1945 as a waist gunner on a B-17, flying missions in Europe on D-Day and until the war's end. Mel received the Good Conduct Medal. He worked as a farmer and supervisor at Consolidated Manufacturing. Mel was a member of Halstead Lodge #46 A.F. & A.M., Halstead American Legion Post #231, and First Christian Church, Burrton.

On October 9, 1943, he married Sue Jean Greathouse in Wichita Falls, TX. They shared 75 years of marriage. She survives. Also surviving are: sons, Michael Fast, Burrton, Dan Fast (Debbie), Hutchinson; daughter, Jennifer Kimball (Doug), Burrton; grandchildren, Kelly Fast (Hallie), Molly Simms (Cody), Jana Lange (Ryan); great-grandchildren; Veronica Fast, Hugo Simms, Oscar Simms, Aubree Lange, Brylee Lange; sister, Carol Unruh, Burrton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mel was preceded in death by: his parents; brother, Francis Fast; sisters, Vera Grubbs, Elsie Horton; and daughter-in-law, Joyce Fast.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, December 29, 2018, at First Christian Church, 201 S. Burrton Ave., Burrton. Burial will follow in Burrton Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m., with family present to greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials are suggested to the church or Burrton USD 369, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.