Melvin Chester Hartzfield

Melvin Chester Hartzfield, 84, Bronaugh, Mo., passed away Sunday, Dec. 14, 2003, at Port Nuef Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho, following a lengthy illness. He was born March 15, 1919, in Bronaugh, Mo., to John Hartzfield and Mollie Lehmkuhl Hartzfield. He married Helen Marie Moore on Aug. 14, 1944, in Englewood, Kan., and she survives of the home.

Melvin grew up during the hard times of the depression. Even though life was tough, Melvin enjoyed hunting and fishing. One of his greatest boyhood achievements was shooting 100 rabbits, each with a single shot, in just one day. Accepting every challenge, Melvin always knew the value of every shot, and no matter how difficult, was a successful marksman when meeting his goals in life.

In 1942, Melvin graduated from the University of Missouri Columbia with a Bachelor's degree of science in Agriculture. He then attended Columbia University in New York and specialized in maritime navigation. Shortly after college, Melvin joined the Navy and served as a Lieutenant on the U.S.S. Goodhue. During a battle off the shores of Okinawa, he received a Purple Heart for his service to his country.

After World War II, Melvin moved to St. Louis, Mo., where he spent a year as an agricultural agent for St. Louis County. Melvin then moved back to his home of Vernon County accepting a position with the Veterans Administration where he taught vocational agriculture to young veterans. After 12 years of service with the V.A., he decided to farm professionally, and was very politically and civicly active in his community.

During his career as a farmer, he served as a President of the Young Democrat's Club of Vernon County, and was a committeeman of Harrison Township for several years. He was also very active with the V.F.W. and served on the Board of Directors for the M.F.A. of Bronaugh.

But, Melvin will be most remembered for his loving devotion as a husband, father and grandfather; a selfless person working everyday in effort to provide the best possible life a man could for his family. He will be loved forever.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Helen Hartzfield, of the home; his daughters, Sharon Kurz and Paula Stephens; and grandchildren, Ross Kurz, Rodd Kurz, Robyn Kurz, Craig Stephens and Mona Jahromi.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Mo. Interment will follow in Worsley Cemetery, Bronaugh, Mo. Friends may call now and until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Those who wish may contribute to Worsley Cemetery Association in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, Mo.