Melvern Ray "Mel" Dufur, 71, Waverly, Kansas, passed away Monday, October 26, 2020 at his son's home.

Mel was born September 15, 1949 in Kingman, Kansas, the son of Willard and Edna (Rutledge) Dufur. The family lived in many different places, including Colorado, Iowa, and South Dakota. Mel graduated from Lennox High School in Lennox, South Dakota in 1967. After high school he was drafted into the Army. After leaving the Army, he worked in bridge construction for over 30 years before driving a semi-truck for the last 10 years.

On December 30, 1973, he and Brenda Hegwald were married in Burlington. They became the parents of four children.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents; two children, Jody and Jason, and two sisters, Juanita Davis and Mary Stratton.

Mel leaves his wife, Brenda; a daughter, Melody Dufur, Wichita, KS; a son Eric Dufur and wife Katie of Olathe, KS; three grandsons, Ethan, Lukas, and Connor Dufur, all of Olathe, KS; a sister, Carolyn Randel (Bill); other relatives and friends.

Cremation is planned. The family will hold a memorial service on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at Waverly Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please provide memorial contributions to The Nature Conservancy.