1950-2026
Melvin Raymond Birzer, 75, passed away May 22, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home in Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on June 25, 1950, in Great Bend, to Lawrence and Catherine Rose (Esfeld) Birzer. On April 14, 1972, he married Twila Crockett at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Ellinwood, Kansas.
A lifetime area resident, Melvin was an Ellinwood High School class of 1968 graduate. He then served the country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Melvin then started his working career as a salesman, spanning from seven years at Stanion Wholesale, eight years at American Electric, thirteen years for Great Bend Manufacturing, a year and a half at Hock Farm, and twelve years at Doonan Peterbilt. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish – St. Rose of Lima and Knights of Columbus Council 1187. Melvin enjoyed mowing lawns, driving side by sides, road trips of any distance, hanging out at the shop with the guys, socializing with friends, and especially spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife of the home; son, Jerod Birzer (Mandee) of Great Bend; daughter, Renee Walker (Mike) of Banks, Oregon; six grandchildren, Cody Birzer of Great Bend, Kori Hartwell (Jordan) of Blue Springs, Missouri, Brittany Birzer (Ryan) of Kansas City, Missouri, Kaitlyn Shafer (Justyn) of Great Bend, Roman Walker and Landon Walker, both of Banks, Oregon; six bonus grandchildren, Rylee, Zak, Peyton, Easton, Drew, and Coye Solko, all of Larned; four great grandchildren, Kyler Birzer, Parker Hartwell, Julia Shafer, and Eleanor Solko, all of Great Bend; brother, Steve Birzer (Brenda) of Ellinwood; sisters, Jane Carr (Bob) of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Connie Miller (Keith) of Ellinwood; brother-in-law, Randy Crockett of Sharon; sister-in-law, Judi Crockett of Woodward, Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Herman Crockett; mother-in-law, Lois (Crockett) Kruger; step father-in-law, August Kruger; brother-in-law, Herman “Sonny” Crockett; sister-in-law and husband, Pat Bell (Keith); nieces, Jenna (Crockett) Lindsten and Tricia Gober; and nephew, G.T. Crockett.
Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Father Warren Stecklein residing. Interment will follow at Lakin Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood, with military honors presented by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Visitation will take place from noon to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with family receiving guests from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to Knights of Columbus Council 1187, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.
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