Melvin E. Alford, 84, Augusta, died Wednesday, Aug. 11 at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita. Melvin was born on Nov. 27, 1925 at Leanna to Henry and Minnie McCollough Alford. He graduated from Chanute High School with the Class of 1943.

He was a farmer and raised cattle. He served his country during the Korean Conflict.

He was united in marriage to Opal H. Olson on April 22, 1962 at Vilas Bethel Lutheran Church. On returning from Korea, he was a fulltime aircraft mechanic until his retirement in 1985. Melvin is retired from Civil Service and the Kansas Air National Guard at McConnell Air Force Base.

He is survived by his wife, Opal, of the home; sister Golda Mae Richter; stepmother Claribel Alford, Chanute; numerous sisters and brothers in law and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

He was a member and elder at the First Christian Church of Augusta and he sang in the choir. He was a member of the VFW in Chanute post 1654, American Legion #170, Chanute. Visitation will be 6-8 this evening at Headley Funeral Chapel, Augusta. Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13 at the First Christian Church, Augusta. Burial will be at Vilas Bethel Cemetery, rural Chanute, at 3 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Hospice and Augusta First Christian Church.