Melvin Kennard

Melvin Raymond Kennard, age 75, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Monday, April 30, 2012, at his home. Melvin was born on March 31, 1937, in Garnett, Kansas, the son of William Elmer Kennard and Stella Alta (Sutton) Kennard. He was a lifetime resident of Garnett. Melvin graduated from Garnett High School in 1954. He was united in marriage to Wilma Jean Blankenbeker in 1956. This union was blessed with one son. She preceded him in death in 1981. Melvin was united in marriage to Doris Mae (Petit) Dearinger on November 1, 1982 in Garnett, Kansas. He worked for Stockebrand Motors from 1959 to 1978. Melvin purchased a service station in 1978 and operated it until 1982 when he sold it and went to work for the City of Garnett. Melvin started with the Street Department for the City of Garnett in 1982. In 2005 he retired as the Assistant Superintendent of the Street Department after 23 years of service. Following his retirement he worked for City mowing at the airport and for the parks department. Melvin was a member of the Garnett Volunteer Fire Department from 1959 to 2009, serving as secretary for a number of years. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing, going nearly every day. Melvin also enjoyed camping in Kansas and Missouri, going to Branson, and country music shows. He was a woodworker, making many things for his family. Melvin also liked to garden, hunt, and spend time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Wilma Jean; and brother, Norman Elmer Kennard on January 5, 2002. Melvin is survived by his wife, Doris Kennard, of the home; son Randy Lee Kennard of Garnett, Kansas; three step daughters, Connie Collins and husband Glen of Piqua, Kansas; Kathy Malloy and husband David of Humboldt, Kansas; Mary Arbogast and husband Doug of Fredericksburg, Virginia; brother Lewis Kennard and wife, Rolena; sister Zella Teter and husband, LeRoy, all of Garnett; ten grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2012, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Garnett Fire Department.