Melvin E. Thurston

Melvin E. Thurston, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

He is survived by his wife, Mary “Pat” Patricia Thurston; daughter, Anne (John) Duncan, granddaughter, Elaine (Zach) Baker, great grandsons, Jacob and Ben Baker, grandson, Eric (Olive) Duncan, step great granddaughter, Amelia Davis; daughter, Lori Goseland, grandson, Mike (Stefanie) Goseland, great granddaughter, Olivia Goseland, grandson, Jessie (Jamie) Goseland, great grandsons, Ethan and Dylan Goseland; and brother, Larry (Nancy) Thurston.

Mel is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Chris Thurston; brother, Merle Thurston; son, Michael Patrick Thurston; grandson, Adam Goseland; first wife, Judy Otti (mother of his three children).

In his younger days, Mel was a jockey for his dad’s race horses and also showed dogs.  He was an Airman First Class and a radar operator in the Air Force in Alaska which was considered foreign duty as it was prior to Alaska becoming a state.

Mel was a store manager for Western Auto, a division manager for Sears and in sales at Hickerson Furniture. He was an excellent salesman and all-around great guy who made friends wherever he went.

Mel and Pat traveled frequently, and staying true to their Roman Catholic faith, always found Catholic churches to attend whether in the country or out.  A highlight was a trip to the Vatican and being at an audience with Pope John Paul II.

Mel was an avid golfer and played in Ireland, Italy and throughout the US.  After retiring, Mel taught Junior Golf at Echo Hills golf course for 6 years.  Former students would stop by his table at restaurants to say hi and let Mel know that they were on their school golf team or that they still played golf.  This was very gratifying for him.

Mel also played golf 5 days a week with a large group of friends for over 40 years at Echo Hills golf course and Derby Country Club. He had nine holes-in-one during his years of playing golf.

Mel fought a long and hard battle with cancer which eventually led to kidney failure. He loved and was loved by his family, who were an encouragement to him during his stay at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice where he received excellent care in his last days. He appreciated the many cards, emails, calls and acts of kindness from friends and family.

Rosary will be at 9:30 am, Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, both on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Due to construction, enter parking lot south of the diocese building, off of Broadway. Enter church walking on the covered sidewalk, through the south entrance.

A memorial has been established with: Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 South Market, Wichita, KS 67202.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – West Chapel.