Melvin L. Dirksen

Melvin L. Dirksen, age 84, of Golden City, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2011 at Truman Healthcare Center in Lamar.       Melvin was born June 19, 1926, at the family home in Vesta, Nebraska.  In 1930, he moved with his family to Barton County where he has been a life-long farmer.  Melvin was a member of the Golden City Lions Club and Grace Baptist Church.       On March 16, 1988, Melvin married Helen N. Coleman and she survives, of the home.  Also surviving are three sons, Norman E. & wife Debbie Wood of Grandberry, Texas. Bob Wood of Miller, and Jim & wife Cheryl Wood of Golden City; three daughters and their husbands, Joyce & Larry Boyd of Greenfield, Jean & Jerry Obert of South Greenfield, and Kay & Jim Cable of Buffalo; two brothers and their wives, Ralph & Dorothy Dirksen of Kansas City, MO and Wilbur & Harriett Dirksen of Uma, AZ; 19 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.       Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Louis & Ada Dirksen; a brother Geral Dirksen and a sister Dorothy Dirksen.       A graveside memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 17th at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Golden City.       The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar.       Memorial contributions are suggested to Grace Baptist Church in care of Daniel Funeral Home.