Melvin Christian Horstman

It is with great sadness that the family of Melvin Christian Horstman, 89, announces his passing on August 21, 2014.

Visitation 9 a.m. to 4 p. m. Tuesday, at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Rd., Derby. Graveside service 10 a.m. Wednesday, at El Paso Cemetery, Derby.

Mel was born January 25, 1925 in Chesterfield, Missouri to the late Emma Louise (Sieferer) and Edwin Christian Horstman. He grew up the eldest of three active sons who shared a wonderful sense of humor and love of family. As a young man, he met the love of his life, Mary Frances Rollins. They married in 1945 in Lincoln, Nebraska and were together for 67 years until her passing in 2013.

Mel retired from the United States Air Force in 1968 as a Lieutenant Colonel after a distinguished and decorated career as a pilot and served in the Korean War. After retiring, he enjoyed being a pilot for Eby Construction, selling real estate for English Realty, and being a Quality Control inspector for Kreonite. He also enjoyed traveling with Mary in his RV across most of the states, keeping his lawn and garden growing, and spending time in his garage working on his many Corvairs. He also was known for his freshly baked bread using his secret recipe. He was instrumental in the restoration of the B-47 on display at the entrance to McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita.

He was a member of the 83rd Air Capital Flight Order of Daedalians and the Mid Continent Corvair Association.

As a lifelong Lutheran, Mel shared his faith and trust in the Lord with his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, and his brother, Lloyd.

He is survived by his son Melvin Douglas Horstman (Jean) and daughter Mary Jo Jones (Loren David) of Mulvane, Kansas; son Thomas Alan Horstman (Mary Helppie) of Arlington, Texas, and son Robert Christian Horstman (Beverly Fisher) of Wichita, Kansas. Mel is also survived by his brother, Carl Horstman, of Brentwood, Missouri, and sister-in-law Floretta Horstman of Balwin, MO; as well as grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202 or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 9026, Pittsfield, MA 01202-9026.