Melvin Wayne Richter, 94, passed away on March 9, 2024, at Credo Memory Care in Hoisington, Kan. Melvin was born Sept. 21, 1929, on a farm near Otis, Kan. to William and Tracy (Hejny) Richter. He married Ellen Dirks on July 27, 1948, in Albert, Kan. She passed away November 2, 2022, after 74 years of marriage.
In 1961, Melvin and Ellen purchased the Tom’s Candy franchise and worked together selling candy and snacks in Great Bend and surrounding towns until their retirement in 1998.
Melvin was a member of Peace Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir for many years and also worked on the yard crew, mowing and trimming grass for the church and cemetery. He was a member of several antique car clubs throughout the years and loved collecting and restoring 1920’s to 1940’s era vehicles. Melvin loved working with wood, from remodeling houses to building furniture and toys. After retirement, he began customizing stone fence posts with names and designs. His signs are now all over the Midwest. When he wasn’t in his shop, he would be in his half-acre garden or in his greenhouse.
Melvin had many hobbies, but his greatest enjoyment came from spending time with Ellen and his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He always seemed to have a project in mind: racing go-carts, teaching billiard tricks, playing in the snow or celebrating July 4th with large fireworks displays. He was filled with stories about his youth and loved talking and socializing with everyone.
Melvin is survived by two sons and a daughter; Don Richter and Cindy Cummins, Lynn Richter, and Linda Richter; five grandchildren, Trev, Annie (Matt), Josh, Allison (Yuliya, Robert) and Matt (Jaclyn); six great-grandchildren, Ember, Henry, Ollie, Meredith, Terry, and Sagan. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ellen; his brother, Harry Richter; his sister, Juanita Richter Weathers; and son-in-law, John Allain.
Visitation will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2024, with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and prayer service at 6 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church in rural Albert, with Pastor Wayne Baldyga presiding. Interment will follow at Peace Luthern Church Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Peace Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
The Richter family would like to thank Pastor Wayne Baldyga and the congregation of Peace Lutheran Church, the caring staff members of Credo Memory Care and Gentiva Hospice, and the many former customers and friends of Melvin and Ellen who took a moment to chat or send cards.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 12, 2024
