Melvin Dem Moore of Benkelman, NE, was born April 10, 1933 to Dem and Norma Thomas Moore at Oberlin, KS. Melvin lost his battle to cancer, May 1, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife, Margaret, and family. His last weeks on this earth were spent celebrating his life’s story, with friends and family members.
Melvin was raised on a farm at Cedar Bluffs, KS with his parents, along with his four brothers and two sisters. He attended school at Cedar Bluffs and then Oberlin, graduating from Decatur Community High School, in 1951. Melvin farmed along the Prairie Dog Creek in rural Decatur County, KS until his retirement and move to Benkelman. He loved farming with its sunrises, sunsets, rain or lack there-of, snow, the never-ending wind, new baby calves, “putting up” hay, planting and harvesting with all of the steps and challenges in between.
Melvin was first married to Dorothy Reith Moore, and to this union there were three children. Melvin met Margaret Jones at a singles dance in Oberlin and was immediately smitten. They married, November 25, 1995, and celebrated 25 years together last fall.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret, of the home; daughter Debbie (Mike) Nickels of McLouth, KS, son Brian (Heather) of Henderson, NV, step-son Darrel (Jo) Jones of Laramie, WY, step-daughters, Deb (Dan) Dennis of Loveland, CO and Diana (Jon) Maris of Wauneta, NE, and step son in law, Jim Mullinax of Benkelman, NE; grandchildren Emma Robertson of McLouth, KS, Justine Moore of Overland Park, KS, Sgt. Mark Nickels of Springfield, MO, and Dylan Moore of Hays, KS; step-grandchildren, Jeremy Jones and Jill (Kyle) Stuckey of Laramie, WY, Jessica (Tyson) Kier of Gibbon, NE, Jordan (Jason) Pecoraro of Flagstaff, AZ, Chris (Sarah) Dennis of Johnstown, CO, Nicholas Mullanix (Valerie) of Verdigre, NE, Blake Mullanix of Haleiwa, HI, Saje (Steven) Giovando of Peoria, AZ, and Gabby Mullanix of Fort Collins, CO; and 11 step great grandchildren.
Melvin also leaves behind his eldest sister, Lois Leibbrandt of Imperial, NE; brothers Loyd (Fern) Moore of Oberlin, KS, Stan (Deanie) Moore of Montgomery, TX, Rex Moore (Barb) of Marian, NE; and his little sister, Karen Ann (Roger) Ely of McCook, NE.
Preceding Melvin in death were his grandparents, parents, brother-in-law Martin Leibbrandt, sister-in-law Fern (Rex) Moore, brother Francis and his wife Joan, son Eric Moore and his wife Shelly, and step daughter in law Dana Mullinax.
Melvin wished to be cremated and asked his family and friends to have a celebration of life service at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman, NE with Pastor Rodney Heilbrun officiating. His celebration will be Friday, May 7, 2021, 2:00 PM (MT). Inurnment will be at the Oberlin Cemetery in Oberlin, KS at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials in Mel’s memory be given to the Dundy County Hospital or the McCook Community HealthCare and Hospice, 711 East 11TH Street, McCook, Nebraska, 69001
Online condolences maybe left at LiewerFuneralHome.Com. Benkelman Memorial Chapel in Benkelman, NE is entrusted with arrangements.