Melvin Clarence Oehrke, August 27, 1927 — May 13, 2019

Melvin’s Obituary Melvin Clarence Oehrke, 91, of Sedalia, passed away Monday, May 13, 2019 at Good Samaritan Care Center in Cole Camp. Melvin was born August 27, 1927 in Benton County, MO near Mora, a son of the late Clarence Emil and Emma Marie (Wehrman) Oehrke. On May 29, 1950 in Sedalia, he married Ida Bernadine ‘Bernie” Weller, who preceded him in death on March 6, 2017.

Melvin attended Haw Creek and Oakland School. He graduated from the 8th grade at Hopewell School in Pettis County. He worked odd jobs until he was drafted into the Army in 1945.

He was sent to Basic Training at Camp Crowder. He was honorably discharged in 1947 with the rank of Sergeant. He served at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital as a Mess Hall Supervisor.

While at Walter Reed, he had the honor of meeting Harry S. Truman, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and others. Melvin attended GI Automotive Technical School in Kansas City for 1 year. He then worked at John’s Auto Supply for 4 years, Pittsburgh Corning for 3 years and Bryant Motors, as a master mechanic, from 1954 to 1979, retiring after 25 years.

After retirement he enjoyed farming and ranching full time. Melvin was a lifetime member of the Lutheran Church, attending Pyrmont Church as a child and then later in life attending St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He was the member of the Missouri Cattleman’s Association where he served as past president.

He also belonged to the Missouri Pork Producers Association. Melvin was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed making several different kinds of homemade wines.

Surviving are three daughters, Judith Ann Westerfield of Overland Park, KS, Diana Sue Wilson of Longmont, CO and Cynthia Marie George (Randal) of Blue Springs, MO; six grandchildren, Angela Westerfield, Andrea Paulakovich, James Westerfield, III, Michael “Mikey” Wilson, Gavin Mitchell George and Trevor Rhys George; 4 great-grandchildren, Brian, Alyssia, Brooklyn, Avery and one soon to arrive. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Jerri Lynn Oehrke; and a sister Darlene (Oehrke) Hall. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2019 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Douglas Dubisar officiating.

Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors by the United States Army and the V.F.W.#2591. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Missouri Department of Conservation, in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.

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