Melvin D. Pankratz, 81, died Sunday November 3, 2013 at Asbury Park in Newton. He was born December 22, 1931 in Newton, son of Roland and Alice Schroeder Pankratz. Melvin graduated from Newton High School in 1949. He served in the U. S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. After being discharged from the Military, Melvin graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Kansas.
Melvin and Shirley Smith were married June 6, 1954 at the First Baptist Church in Newton. They lived in the Wichita and Valley Center area for many years.
Melvin owned and operated the Melco Leasinng Company in Wichita from the early 1970's until retiring in 1995. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Wichita; Valley Center Lions Club and Duck's Unlimited.
Survivors: wife of the home, son, Galen Pankratz; daughters, Catherine Payne and and her husband, Dana Payne and Debra Jackson and husband, Randy; sister, Arlene McClure; 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Memorial servics were Friday, November 8, 2013 at Broadway Colonial Funeral homel Private inurnment will be iin Greenwood Cemetery, Newton.
Memorials with Good Shepherd Hospice and Alzheimer's Assoc.
