Melvin Dwaine Mclaughlin

Melvin Dwaine McLaughlin passed away at his home in Wellsville, Kansas on July 17, 2024.

Melvin was born on March 7, 1938, to Elizabeth “Mary” McLaughlin (Butler) in Independence, Kansas. His grandmother and step-grandfather raised him: Ruth (Arnold) McLaughlin “Ellis” and Dewey Ellis. He attended school in Independence, Kansas.

He joined the Marines in 1955 at the age of 17. Served his 6 weeks of basic training and was dismissed with an honorable medical discharge.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Independence, Kansas.

He married Florence Hare on April 5, 1962, at the Methodist Church parsonage by Rev. John Bolton in Independence, Kansas. They lived in Kingman, Kansas for the first year of their marriage where he worked in construction. Then they traveled with pipeline construction companies for the first three years of their marriage where he worked as a Welder’s Helper. While traveling with the pipeline, a son was born in Kane, PA. He is buried there. They quit the traveling when their second son was born. They lived in Baldwin City, KS for about 2 years then moved to Olathe, KS, where it was closer for Melvin to go to work. They then would move to Edgerton, KS, and were caretakers of the Lanesfield museum from 1969 to 1975. Melvin joined Union Local 1290 Construction Labors in 1966 and worked with the union until his retirement from construction work in 1994.

He worked on high rises in Kansas City, road construction and general construction work throughout the Kansas City and Topeka areas with Union Local 1290.

He then did janitorial work and worked at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas, for about 3 years. He would completely retire in 2003.

He loved to fish, hunt and be outdoors. He also loved flowers. His favorite was lilacs.

Survivors include his wife of the home, Florence McLaughlin, two sons: Steven McLaughlin and wife, Kimberly, of Olathe, KS and Kenneth McLaughlin of Kansas City, MO. Three half-brothers and four half-sisters: Clinton Butler, Corene Shepard of Oregon City, OR, Alice French of Granger, TX, Charles Butler and wife Pam of Purcell, MO, Rose Mary Merritt and Joan Butler and husband Richard of Independence, KS, and Bob Butler. Four grandchildren: Kashmir Goller, Brittany Marsh, Cody and Riley McLaughlin, great-grandchildren, Liam, Willow, Owen and one on the way. As well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was an infant son born October 15, 1963. His mother, Mary Butler, his step-father, Willard Butler, three brothers, Dwight and David Butler, and Joe McLaughlin. As well as a sister, Coleen Ashenfelter.

A graveside service will take place on July 19, 2024, at Walnut Creek Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.

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