Melbourne Gene “Mel” Percival, 100, of Salina, Kan., passed away Sunday, July 28, 2024. He was born in Beverly, Kan., on August 31, 1923, to Walter and Bertha (Berthelson) Percival.

Mel enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after high school and was a WWII Veteran. He married Mary Louise Eutsler on March 25, 1950. Mel worked for many years as a tool and die inspector for Beech Aircraft and was a founding member of the Beech Gun Club. He was an avid trapshooter and loved his flowers and gardening.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Lou; son-in-law, David Simmons; grandchild, Tom Pilcher; brothers, Norval “Jack”, Robert “Clay”, and Walter “Pach” Percival; sisters, Carmen “Naurine” Kissick, Lena “Sis” Crider, Margaretta “Greta” Nelson, Patricia “Pat” Plumer, and Valeria “Joan” King.

Survivors include his daughter, Melody Simmons; son, Kurt Percival (Angela); grandchildren, Matthew Simmons (Shannon), Jason Simmons (Alison), Alicia Simmons; great-grandchildren, Kole S., Kole T., Kaileigh, Kamarin, Elizabeth, Madalyn, Killian, Dane; great-great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Mason, Everleigh, Aiden, and Avanelle; and many nephews and nieces.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Friday, August 2, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Salina, with burial to follow at Beverly (North) Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.