Melvin Lee Craven, 71, fell asleep in the Lord December 17, 2023, at home in Great Bend, Kan.  He was born May 12, 1952, in Gorham to Clarence and Levana (Mitchell) Craven.  Melvin married Barbara Jean Bowers August 27, 1976, in Russell, Kansas.

Melvin, a long time Great Bend resident coming from Gorham, was a graduate of Gorham High School and was a former member of First Assembly of God Church, Great Bend, and was currently attending The First Church of The Nazarene, Great Bend.  He was a longtime employee of Barton County, working for the Road and Bridge Department, and previously worked for Red Tiger Drilling and Woodman Iannitti Drilling.  Melvin enjoyed western movies, model cars, puzzles, and woodworking.

Survivors include wife, Barbara of the home; two sons: Michael Craven (Kristen) of St. John, Kan., Matthew Craven of Larned, Kan.; one sister: Teri Helwer (Duane) of Russell, Kan.; five grandchildren, Mayci Craven, Brooklyn Cooley, Brielle Kultgen, Aria Kultgen, Henley Fensky.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarance Craven and Levana (Mitchell) Craven Blanke; two brothers, Kenny Craven and infant Alan Craven; and one sister, Susan Craven.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2024, at First Church of the Nazarene in Great Bend, with Pastor Josh Foster and Pastor Amy Foster presiding.  Memorials have been designated to the Melvin Craven Expense Fund or First Church of the Nazarene Benevolence Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.