DODGE CITY – Melvin L. Salmans, 81, died Monday, September 12, 2022 at his home in Dodge City.

He was born May 8, 1941 at Jetmore, the fifth son of Ora Wyman and Hazel LaVina (Powell) Salmans.  He spent his childhood on the family farm running and playing with his brothers, cousins and friends.  He was a graduate of Jetmore High School and a lifetime area resident.  He worked in the oil fields as well as 3 years with the Santa Fe Railroad which created a lifelong love affair with trains. Later he worked 13 years for Wood Work Manufacturing and also spent 19 years as a Tax Appraiser for the Ford County Appraisers Office, retiring in January of 2004.

He was a member of the Dodge City Church of the Nazarene.  He volunteered for the Dodge City Railers for many years and was a longtime guardian and devoted uncle for his brother's handicapped boys.

On January 21, 1961 he married Glenna Stoskopf at Dodge City.

Survivors include: his wife of 61 years, Glenna; their 3 children, Gary Salmans and wife Ann, Dodge City, Shala Waldman and husband Mike, Dodge City and Malon Harbert and husband Patrick, Wichita; 6 grandchildren. Seth Salmans and wife Katie, Katelyn Ingalls and husband Andy, Broderick Waldman, Logan Waldman, Sydney Harbert and Ty Harbert; 3 great grandchildren, Scarlett Salmans, Arlo Salmans and Hayley Waldman; and a brother, Wesley Salmans and wife Midge, San Antonio, Texas. Melvin was very proud of his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers, Francis, Gerald, James and an infant, Gayle and a sister-in-law, Dee Salmans.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City, with Jeff Hiers officiating.  The family encourages COVID precautions.  There will be no public visitation, cremation has taken place.  Friends may sign the register from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday at Ziegler Funeral Chapel.

The family suggests memorials to Mosaic of Garden City in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.