Hanston- Melvin Donald Housman, 88, passed away March 14, 2016 at the Hodgeman County Health Center, Jetmore.

He was born January 1, 1928 in rural Hodgeman County, Kansas, the son of Elmer Ray and Elva L. Fakes Housman.

Don was a graduate of Hanston High School and attended Dodge City Community College. He was drafted into the Army in 1951 and served with the 160th medium tank company, 40th Infantry Division during the Korean War. He was a lifetime member of the VFW; leader for Boy Scout Pack and Troop 159 in Hanston; served on the school board for District #228 and was on the "chain gang" for the Hanston football team for many years. He enjoyed attending Army reunions of his tank company across the USA.

Don was baptized into the Church of Christ and later transferred to the Hanston United Methodist Church.

Don and Pat were married in 1954 in the Hanston United Methodist Church. She survives.

Survivors include: two sons; Bruce (Pat), Hanston and Perry, Dodge City; seven grandchildren, Andrea (Chad) Burns, Hanston, Amanda (Chris) Williams, Wichita, Matt (Julie) Housman, Hanston, Ben (Debbie) Housman, Oklahoma City, OK, Chris Housman, Nashville, TN, Kilee (Joey) Yeager, Cimarron, Tyler Housman, Dodge City; nine great grandchildren; a sister, Lelia Ward, two sister-in-laws and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by; two brothers; Walter and David.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Hanston United Methodist Church with Pastor Dennis Fulton presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Beckwith Funeral Home, Jetmore. Burial will be at the Hanston cemetery with military graveside rites.

Memorials may be given to Hanston United Methodist Church or the Hodgeman County High School Athletic Dept. both in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, PO Box 663, Jetmore, KS. 67854. Condolences may be left for the family at www.beckwithfuneralhome.com