Melvin L. McCray

Melvin L. McCray, 91, of Fullerton, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Kearney.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 8, 2024, at Palmer-Santin Funeral Home in Fullerton with Pastor Mark Hartley officiating. Interment will follow at Fullerton Cemetery in Fullerton with military honors by Fullerton American Legion Post #151 and United States Navy Honor Guard. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home is serving the family.

Melvin was born July 21, 1932, to Neil and Fern (McNeff) McCray in Fullerton. He graduated from Fullerton High School in 1950 and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951. While in the Navy, he served on the USS Porterfield during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and returned home to start farming west of Fullerton. On Sept. 29, 1956, he married Evelyn Roark in Fullerton. To this union, two children were born: Dixie Rae and Steven Lyle. They divorced in 1976. In 1977, Melvin retired from farming and moved to Grand Island.

He was married to Willa Mae Koch from 1977-1979. While living in the Grand Island area, Melvin worked for Mid-Nebraska Disposal, Berkley Pump, and Monfort Packing. He married Madeline Kay Obst on Nov. 29, 1980, in Grand Island. He and Madeline managed the Wood River Motel from 1982-1988. They later moved to Doniphan. He then worked for Pioneer Hybrid International from 1982-1997. In 1997, he and Madeline moved to Long Pine, where he worked for Jim Newport for 14 years.

Melvin was a member of American Legion Post #300 in Doniphan and a past member and President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Fullerton. He loved playing cards and keno, John Deere tractors, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his daughter, Dixie (Gerald) Zoucha of Hastings; seven grandchildren, Stacy (Eric) Parr, Kimberly (Darin) Zier, Gregory Zoucha, Rachel (Nick) Assini, Stevie (Ryan Cemper) Kurtz, Ryan Flanary, and Jordan (Christopher) Holmes; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Bethene Turner of Salisbury, N.C.; sister-in-law, Darlene McCray of Fullerton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Fern McCray; son, Steven McCray; wife, Madeline; brother, Clifford McCray; sisters, Shirley (Ivan) Cunningham, Wilma (Richard) Greer, and Roberta Fleharty; and his dog, Scooter.