Mel O. Strait of Salina KS passed away Friday November 10, 2023.  He was born on October 2, 1933 in Concordia, KS to David Burrison and Rachel Ann (Hill) Strait,

Mel graduated from Concordia High School.  He was a Seabee in the United States Navy stationed at Subic Bay, Philippines in the 1950’s. Mel was a mechanic his whole life.

Mel married Martha Ann Breault on June 1, 1959 in Concordia.  She survives.  They moved to Salina KS in 1967.  Other survivors include: daughter Sheri King (Bill) of Lewis KS; son Kenneth Strait (Mary) of Salina; grandsons Lucas King (Dorothy), Camarillo CA, Alex King (Abby), Manhattan KS and Evan King (Audrey), Stillwater OK; granddaughters Kayla Keep (Nate), Doniphan NE, Allison Hamm (Shane), Salina, Ashley Dinkel (Aaron), Hutchinson and Anna Strait, New York City; eight great grandchildren; Wallace and Thomas King, Conrad and Cora Keep, Harper King, Aden, Owen and Evan Dinkel; one brother William G. Strait, Hurst TX and one sister Joan Demanette, Concordia.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Strait, Salina, his grandson, Conner King, Lewis; six brothers, Harold Strait, Rex Strait Sr., Raymond Strait and triplets, David, Daniel and Duane Strait; three sisters, Helen Hinson, Bertha Cassel and Pauline Vignery all of Concordia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am, Friday, November 17, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina, with burial to follow in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the VFW, in care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.