ELLINWOOD — Melvin George Urban, 95, of Ellinwood, Kan. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather(Great Papa) went to his heavenly home on Sept. 2nd, 2025. He was born April 15th, 1930 at home in Loretta, Kan. to Joseph and Josephine (Pfannenstiel) Urban. He grew up in the Hays area before moving to Hoisington and graduated from Hoisington High School. He served in the Korean war from 1951 to early 1953 earning the rank of Sergeant.  He married Helen Beck on August 31st, 1953 and shortly thereafter moved to Ellinwood where he and Helen raised their four children and he resided until his death. She preceded him in death Jan. 27th, 2019. 

He started working in the oilfield, initially as a roustabout and working his way up to Production Superintendent for Alladin Petroleum Company, and then in the same role for DR Lauck Oil Company before retiring at the age of 84. He was well respected in the Kansas oil and gas industry and was consulted by many for his knowledge and opinion on oil and gas production matters.  He was a member of the Grove Park Golf Club, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, VFW, and St. Joseph Catholic Church all of Ellinwood. Melvin was a devout Catholic, he loved his Lord and was a Grandfriend to many children at St. Joseph School. He loved having a good time with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing cards (5 point Pitch and Pinochle). His most enjoyable moments were the times he spent making memories with family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 65 years Helen; his brothers Julius Urban and Ervin Urban; his sisters Lillian Beck, Dolores Harris, Virginia Zimmerman, Lorraine Wedman, and Johanna Brodie. He is survived by his children Mike (Robin) Medicine Lodge, JaNan Rader Wichita, Chris (Pam) Silver Lake, and Brad (Theresa) Wichita; brothers, Arsenius Urban and Joseph Urban Jr.; sisters, Alberta Klein and Twilla Kush; nine grand-children. Jenny (Rich) Slivocka, Katie (Quentin) Berner, Ashley (Damon) Thompson, Josh Urban, Ryan (Marlisa) Rader, Austin (Ashley) Urban, Scott (Sarah) Rader, Corey (Kelsey) Urban, and Haley (Tyler) Nance; 16 great grand-children, Taelyn and Trace Thompson, Everly, Emma, and Ellie Berner, Maclin and Oakley Rader, Kinzie Urban, Noah and Molly Rader, Atzie and Eli Urban, Wade Nance, Carson and Claire Urban, Lucy Slivocka and two more who are on the way. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Funeral Mass will be September 5th 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Terrance Klein officiating. Burial will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Visitation will be Sept. 4th 12-5 p.m. with family receiving friends from 3-5 p.m. at Minnis Chapel Ellinwood. Rosary/Vigil service will be 7 p.m. Sept. 4th at St. Joseph Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic School or Ellinwood Hospital Foundation in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be posted at www.minnischapel.org.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel 

P.O. Box 246

Ellinwood, KS 67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 4, 2025