Melvin "Mel" Smalberger was born on July 2, 1932 to Glenn and Arvilla
Smalberger in Oberlin, Kansas. He passed away July 31, 2020 at the age
of 88 at the Good Samaritan Society of Decatur County. Melvin attended
grade school at the Sherman School. He lived at home and helped with the
country chores and farming. Later he moved out of the family home and
started farming on his own. After retiring he moved to Oberlin. Melvin
was a member of the Sherman Chapel Church and then after he retired
from farming, he joined the Prairie Chapel Church until it closed. After
the church closed, he attended the Oberlin United Methodist Church
until his passing. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, family, and friends.
Melvin was one of 12 children. He was preceded in death by his
parents, Glenn and Arvilla Smalberger; brothers: Rex (Gladys)
Smalberger, Lloyd Smalberger, Maynard Smalberger, Darl Smalberger, and
Harold Smalberger; sisters: Arthea Smalberger, Beluah (Earl) Lawver,
Ella Mae Wahrman, Margie (Loren) Welsh, and Donna Lee Smalberger and
sister-in-law, Shirley Smalberger. He is survived by his brother,
Richard of Beaverton Oregon, and brother-in-law, Bill Wahrman of
Strasburg, Colorado and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will
be missed by all.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, August 7, 2020 at
the Sherman Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 12 noon on
Friday at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. Condolences may be left at
www.paulsfh.com