Henry Melvin 1938-2026
Lyle “Henry” Melvin, 87, of Soldier, passed away Friday, July 31, 2026, at his grandson’s home in Onaga.
He was born Nov. 22, 1938, in America City, the son of Homer Jackson and Mildred L. (McClain) Melvin.
Henry graduated from Corning High School in 1957. He was a life-long farmer and helped with maintenance for the oil wells in Nemaha County. For many years he took much pride in the America City Cemetery as sexton, bookkeeper, marking graves and upkeep.
He was a member of the Corning Trinity United Methodist Church and serving on the church men’s club.
Henry was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. He enjoyed hunting coyotes, coons, quail and pheasants. Also, playing cards, working in the garden and spending time with family on the front porch where he and Nelda would watch the birds.
Henry married Nelda Karen Steele on Feb. 9, 1958, in Corning. They celebrated more than 68 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on July 7, 2026. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Mildred Melvin; a son, Kenneth L. Melvin; a brother, Robert L. Melvin; and an infant great-granddaughter, Timberlee Faye Melvin.
Survivors include his three grandsons, Steven Lyle Melvin (Cammie) of Randolph, Jeremy Lee Melvin (Emily) of Soldier and Brendan Lane Melvin (Bailey Baker) of Topeka; a daughter-in-law, Denise L. Melvin of Onaga; and four great-grandchildren, Hannah Elizabeth, Henry Dean, Jackson Lyle and Hayslee Jane Melvin.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at America City Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to Steven Melvin, designated for headstone restoration at America City Cemetery, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
