Melvin D Wessler

Melvin Dean Wessler, age 93, entered his eternal home with his Lord and Savior on May 1, 2025. A man of deep faith, generous heart, and unwavering dedication to family and community, Melvin left behind a legacy of love and service that will never be forgotten.

Melvin was born on February 11, 1932, in Dodge City, Kansas, to Oscar and Clara Wessler. He spent his early childhood in Kismet, Kansas, before moving with his family to Baca County in his junior high years.

He graduated from Springfield High School in 1951. During those high school years, after a sweaty football practice — and without even stopping for a shower — Melvin went straight to a revival at the Baptist Church. It was there that he made the most important decision of his life: placing his trust in Jesus Christ; a choice that would guide and shape everything he did from that point forward.

On August 23, 1951, Melvin married the love of his life, Laura Ethel Arbuthnot, and together they built a life filled with faith, family, and farming. They settled on their farm, where they raised four children — Monty Dean, Charla Cay, Vonn Lyle, and Virgil Lewis (V.L.) — and shared 73 years and 8 months of marriage. Their home was always open, always filled with warmth, and always grounded in God’s love.

Melvin was a lifelong farmer — steady, hardworking, and dedicated. Summers on the farm often included his grandkids and great grandkids by his side, not just learning the value of hard work, but making cherished memories with their grandpa. He had a quiet strength and a gentle spirit that made those moments unforgettable.

He was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, usher, and in many other roles over the years. Even after moving to long-term care in 2022, Melvin’s heart remained in his church. Whenever his health allowed, family and friends lovingly wheeled him to Sunday services, and he was always grateful to be “right on time.” He truly lived his faith, never missing a chance to serve or encourage others.

Melvin also gave 71 years of service as a Gideon, placing Bibles in schools, businesses, and wherever God's Word was needed. His commitment to sharing the gospel was lifelong, and his quiet witness touched countless lives.

Many will remember Melvin’s love of sending greeting cards — a simple but heartfelt way he stayed connected with those he loved. Whether it was a birthday, a holiday, or just a thoughtful note, his cards brought joy and encouragement that reflected his caring nature.

He was deeply involved in the Springfield community, serving with the Springfield Cooperative Sales, the ASC Office, the Colorado Cooperative Council, the Cemetery Board, and as a school bus driver for Springfield Public Schools. He also contributed his time and wisdom to the Bible Baptist College Board and the Southwest Kansas Farm Management Association.

Above all, Melvin was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a faithful friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Laura, his son Monty and wife Ellen, his daughter Charla, fourteen grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Mona Millican and Ruth Wilson, sisters-in-law Thelma Arbuthnot, Bonnie Arbuthnot, and Jackie Packard, and brother-in-law Curtis Arbuthnot and wife Bonna.

He is now reunited in Heaven with his parents Oscar and Clara, stepmother Elsie, brother Eugene, parents-in-law Virgil and Linnie Arbuthnot, sons Vonn and V.L., daughter-in-law Kelley, son-in-law Mike Williams, and brothers-in-law Billy Arbuthnot, John Arbuthnot, L.R. Millican, A.R. Wilson, and Leonard Packard.

Melvin’s life was a beautiful testimony of faith in action. He lived with integrity, served with humility, and loved with his whole heart. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched.

To honor Melvin’s life please consider memorial contributions to First Baptist Church, 801 Church St., Springfield, CO 81073; Gideons International, P.O. Box 203, Springfield, CO 81073; SECHD-LTC, 373 E. 10th Ave., Springfield, CO 81073. Please indicate “In memory of Melvin Wessler” on any contribution.