Melvin Max Nelson

Melvin Nelson, 95, was born January 10, 1930 in Wichita, Kansas and passed away April 07, 2025, in Mulvane, Kansas

Melvin was raised on the Nelson Homestead Farm near Clearwater, Kansas, a property that had been in his family for generations. The farm was originally settled by his grandfather, Hans Mars Nelson, who immigrated from Denmark. Melvin's father, Augie Nelson, continued the tradition of farming, and Melvin followed in his footsteps.

In 1950, Melvin married Colleen, and they moved to a farm west of Mulvane, where they worked together, raising crops and a family. Melvin was not only a farmer but also worked at Coleman Co. in Wichita, Kansas, and was part of the construction crew that built the bridge over the Arkansas River on Highway 53. He later worked for Fortner LP Gas, where he drove a propane truck and performed service calls.

Melvin was an active member of the Mulvane Masonic Lodge, receiving his 72-year pin. He also held many positions in the Derby OES (originally Mulvane OES), serving as Worthy Patron multiple times and as a Grand Guard in the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. He proudly served on the board of the Mulvane Rainbow Assembly. Melvin was a member of the Consistory and the Shrine, dedicating many years to the "Plane of Mercy" van, transporting children to the Shrine Hospital.

His faith was a cornerstone of his life. Melvin was a member of the First Christian Church, starting in Clearwater, then in Mulvane in the 1950s, followed by Derby in the 1960s, and later returning to Mulvane in the 2000s. He was a strong supporter of FFA and 4-H when his children were members, and always welcomed school groups to the farm for field days, showing them around the pastures along the Arkansas River.

Melvin's love for his family, his community, and his work on the farm left a lasting impact.

Melvin is survived by his children, Rosie Bernard (Edward), Donald Nelson (Connie), John Nelson (Becky), Vonda Handy (Kerry), Lary Nelson (Marie); 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Augie Elton Nelson, Bertha Grace Williams Nelson; wife, Colleen Nelson; grandchild, Carissa Phipps; great-grandchild, Max Phipps; siblings, Mary Bohling (Homer), Eldon Nelson (Valeta)

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Mulvane Masonic Lodge #201 in Mulvane, Kansas

Visitation: Smith Family Mortuary - Mulvane Sunday 04/13/2025 3:00pm-5:00pm. Service: Mulvane Christian Church Monday 04/14/2025 10:00am. Interment to follow at Waco Cemetery.