Melvin “Mel” Leroy Larimore, 80, passed away at home surrounded by his family on June 27th, 2019 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Mel is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 60 years, Phyllis, his children Larry (Deb), Robin Sirna (Rich) and Susan, grandchildren Melanie (Joe), Zachary (Erika), Jacob and Jennifer, great grandchildren Blake, Aiden, Austin, Dillon and Zoey; as well as a large extended family. He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Mable; as well as, his sisters - Donna and Judy; he is survived by Donna’s children, Stephanie (Phil) and Steve. Mel worked his entire career at Mid-Continent Underground Cold Storage, retiring as Chief Engineer in 2004 with over 46 years of service. He will be cremated and a Celebration of Life with family and friends will be held on the afternoon of July 21st from 3 to 5 pm.
Mel was an avid Jayhawk fan, a “jack of all trades”, a skilled carpenter, mechanic, a true “craftsman” – most of all though, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and “Pop” to all of his kids and his kid’s friends. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed road trips with his family, sitting on his front porch, watching TV from the 60’s to the 90’s, cooking, mowing the lawn, and talking to his neighbors.
Mel was also preceded in death by his high school best friend, John Ruis. He greatly enjoyed spending time with John’s children - Tony, Chris, and Vincent.
Mel will be tremendously missed by his family and friends. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, please select the animal charity of your choice as he loved all animals.
Dad had a saying for everything, but anyone that asked him, “Mel, how are you?” got a “fair to middling, but mostly on the middling side” that’s where we’ll all meet again.