PETTYJOHN, Melvin Allen - b. May 21, 1930 - d. January 4, 2012

[patyrn]

Melvin Allen Pettyjohn, 81, a lifelong resident of the Fredonia, Kansas area, died Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Fredonia Regional Hospital.  He was born May 21, 1930 near Elk City, Kansas, the son of Albert and Goldie (Carroll) Pettyjohn.

Melvin was a graduate of Fredonia High School.  Following high school, Melvin served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1971, retiring after 20 years as a Sergeant First Class.  During his military career, he served both stateside and abroad, including tours in Vietnam and Korea, and he was awarded the Bronze Star.  Following his retirement from military service, Melvin returned to Fredonia and began his second career in the maintenance department of Archer Daniels Midland Company, where he retired in 1992 after 20 years of employment.

On November 10, 1973 in Dodge City, Kansas, Melvin was united in marriage to Diane Lane.  She survives at their home.  Melvin was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion.  

Survivors in addition to his wife, Diane, include two daughters, Cindy and Rick Sele of Fredonia, Kansas and Betty Corley of Mesa, Arizona; one sister, Opal Shaw of Wichita, Kansas; one brother, Clarence and Donna Pettyjohn of Severy, Kansas; one step-brother, David and Doreen Johnson of South Dakota; and four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  His parents, Albert and Goldie Pettyjohn; one brother, Milton "Frank" Pettyjohn; and one sister, Marjorie Pettyjohn preceded Melvin in death.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Timmons Funeral Home, 510 N. 7th Stret, Fredonia, Kansas with Rev. Gene Benefield of the Buxton Christian Church officiating.  Burial will be in the Mt. Pleasant/Belleview Cemetery near Buxton with military honors.  The family will receive friends on Friday evening, January 6, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Timmons Funeral Home.  A memorial has been established in Melvin's name with the Salvation Army, and contributions can be sent to the funeral home.

Words of condolence for the family may be left at www.timmonsfuneralhome.com.  Timmons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 168, Fredonia, Kansas 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.

(taken from the Timmons Funeral Home website)