Melvin Ray Lindell

Melvin Ray Lindell, 82, Wichita, KS, passed away on January 6, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.Mel was born on August 27, 1940, to Herbert and Kathleen Lindell in Burbank, CA. When his father was drafted and sent overseas, his mother took him and his sister, Joyce, to be near family in North Dakota. After his father’s return, the family moved to live on the Lindell family farm near Windom, KS. When Mel entered 6th grade, the family moved to Wichita where he continued school until graduating from Kapaun High School in 1958.During high school, Mel met Patricia Huston who was friends with one of his buddy’s girlfriends. Although Pat was a bit unimpressed and feeling that Mel thought he was too cool, she agreed to go on a date with him. Well, that turned out to be one of her best decisions, because she found out what a truly good man Mel really was. On November 25, 1961, Mel, married his sweetheart, Pat in Wichita. After a quick honeymoon to Oklahoma City, they returned to Wichita where they settled down and started their life together. A year later, Pat and Mel welcomed twins to the family, Jenae and Victor. As if that wasn’t crazy enough, they had another baby, Deanne, twelve months later. Add to that a big German Shephard in their two-bedroom apartment, one can only imagine the excitement going on in Mel’s young life. But true to the good man that he was, he provided all that his family ever needed and more. Growing up, his children talk about how they would be so excited when their dad got home from work, and they would jump all over him. He ate it up! He was a fun Dad who taught them how to ride a bike, took them camping, water skiing, snow skiing, road trip vacations and so much more. They also remember him being able to fix anything! He was always busy working on something around the house. However, the most important things Mel taught his children was how to be an honest, hard-working, thoughtful, humble, and kind person. That’s how Mel is remembered by all those who knew him, a true man of integrity. Mel went to work for A.B. Dick office machine company in the late sixties, early seventies. After years of his dedication and strong work ethic, the owner of the company planned to retire and asked Mel to take over the company and make it his own. Mel asked his friend and co-worker to join him in this joint business venture. These two successfully built the business changing the name to Office Automations.His success as a businessman, made it possible for Mel to retire at the young age of 55. By then, Mel had fulfilled his dream of earning his pilot’s license and owning his own Cessna plane. Flying brought Mel so much joy! Besides flying, he and Pat both enjoyed golfing, scuba diving, and traveling together. Mel had his best times with family, especially attending the various activities of his six grandchildren. He was their biggest fan and supporter. Mel was predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Kathleen Lindell. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia Lindell, daughter Jenae Cornejo (Marty), son, Victor Lindell (Penny), daughter, Deanne Nelson (Scott), six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and his sister, Sister Judith Lindell. The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude for the amazing care Mel received throughout the years of living at Comfort Care Homes Wichita and Founders Crest. They are so thankful to all the staff, from the various nurses to the kitchen and cleaning staff. Also, a special thanks to Home Health & Hospice care team.Family visitation will be from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Wichita on January 11, 2023. Immediately following this visitation, a rosary and remembrance service will begin at 5:00. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/cwkansas Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.