Kenneth Lee Melendy, age 86, of Otis, Colorado died November 9, 2011 at the Yuma Life Care Center. He was born March 1, 1925 at Sutherland, Nebraska to Roy and Myrtle Melendy. He attended school at Hershey, Tryon, and graduated from Maxwell High School in 1943.
He entered the Army Air Force in 1943 and served in the 332nd Airborne Squadron as an airplane mechanic in India and Burma. He was discharged in 1946. Upon his return to Otis, he attended and graduated from Colorado A&M, now known as CSU.
Upon his graduation, he returned to the farm north of Otis where he farmed and remained until his retirement and moved to Otis.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Otis where he served as an elder and deacon. He was a member of the 3961 Post VFW and the American Legion Post at Maxwell, Nebraska.
On January 27, 1946 he married Arlene Grandstaff of Maxwell, Nebraska.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Stephen Melendy, and one granddaughter Brenda Boltjes.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Arlene; two daughters, Colleen (Kelvin) Boltjes of Sidney, Nebraska, and Carol (Randall) Feather of Otis; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Donna (Wilmer) Johnson of Sterling; three sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church of Otis. Inurnment was at the Otis Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Otis or to the Otis VFW. Brenner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.