Melvin Steven Dunkle

Melvin Steven Dunkle, 85, of Concordia, Missouri formerly of Dover, MO passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Meyer Care Center in Higginsville, MO.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Lexington Memory Gardens Cemetery, 13512 MO 13 Bus., Lexington, MO, 64067.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Memories of Melvin and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South St., Lexington, MO, 64067, 660-259-2245.

Melvin was born on October 14, 1938, in Waverly, MO to James Arthur and Roxie Loretta (Hostetter) Dunkle.  He was a Veteran of the United States Army.  On December 19, 1962, he was united in marriage to Ardith Elaine Kroeck in Lexington, MO.  In 1989 she preceded him in death.  Melvin retired from Allis-Chalmers after 25 years of service.  He then went on to work for Kretschmar Meat Packing in Concordia, MO.  In addition to spending time with family and friends, Melvin enjoyed going to auctions and collecting antiques.  

Melvin is survived by four children, Rick Clouse and wife Kelly of Higginsville, MO, Kevin Clouse of Waverly, MO, Cindy Shier and husband Jerry of Higginsville, MO, and Theresa Barnett and husband Ralph of Braymer, MO; 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; a longtime companion, Betty Force of Clinton, MO; one sister, Myrna Wade and husband Leon of Higginsville, MO; one brother, Elvy Dunkle of Mt. Leonard, MO; and many nieces, nephew, relatives, and friends.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ardith Elaine Dunkle; a son, Melvin “Brent” Dunkle; a daughter, Lesia Dunkle Nutt; one sister, Goldie Wade; and six brothers; Albert Dunkle, Eldon Dunkle, Alvin Dunkle, Alan Dunkle, and Elbert Lee Dunkle.