from the "Citizen-Patriot" of Atwood KS, Thursday, 24-Mar-1983 edition.
MELVIN E. VAP
Melvin E. Vap was born on the family farm north of Atwood, Kan., to his parents, Joseph and Anna (Kacirek) Vap on Oct. 11, 1929. He attended Atwood Grade School, Atwood High School and Maur Hill High School in Atchison, Kan. He passed away at his home March 9, 1983.
He was united in marriage to Irene Barnhart in 1948 by Father Camilius at Sacred Heart Church. Mel was the loving and proud father of eight children and eleven grandchildren.
Mel and Irene made their home in Atwood, Kan., where Mel originally worked with his father, Joe Vap, for the Beaver Valley Co. Later he became a co-owner with Frank Chvatal in the Beaver Valley Supply Co., Inc. in Atwood.
Mel was a charter member of the Atwood Flying Club since age 18 and a past president; and was responsible for gathering the support and backing to provide the modern Atwood Airport. He was active in the Knights of Columbus for over 25 years, as well as past faithful navigator for St. Pius X. Assembly. He was a past president of the Sacred Heart Home-School Association and president of the Atwood Booster Club.
Mel leaves to mourn: his wife Irene; children, Richard, Marilyn, Holly, Travis and Garrett Vap of Castle Rock, Colo.; Greg, Carmen and Ryan Vap of Parkville, Mo.; Vicki, Joe, Tobina, Mandi and Barry Schmidt of Ludell, Kan.; Jeff, Jan, Anna Beth and Cole Vap of LaCrosse, Kan.; Veanna, Mike, Adam and Austin Lang of Hutchinson, Kan.; Penny of Hays, Kan., and Kevin of Shawneee Mission, Kan. He leaves his parents, Joe and Anna Vap; mother-in-law, Vivian Barnhart; brothers, Leonard and wife Evelyn of Atwood, Leo and wife Ellen of LaCrosse, Gene and wife Gretchen of Forestvill, Calif.; sisters, Sister Joseph Ann of Belvidere, Ill., Romona and husband Bill Hanson of Salina, Virginia and husband Don Hamilton of Salina and Geraldine Lane of Topeka; brothers-in-law. Merlin Barnhart and wife Shirley of Bartlesville, Okia., Neal Barnhart and wife Sharon of Buena Vista, Colo., Dile Barnhart and wife Virgina of Colorado Springs and Rell Barnhart of Atwood; sisters-in-law, Nema and LeRoy Schneider of McDonald and Margaret and husband David Tolliver of Center, Colo.
He was preceded in death by daughter, Rebecca Lyn; sister, Yvonne, father-in-law, Everett Barnhart, and sister-in-law, Donna Barnhart.
His many loved ones cannot but know that this world was left a better place by his understanding, kindness, gentleness, love and presence. He touched every life he came in contact with and will never be forgotten.
A Mass of Christian Burial was offered Saturday, March 12, 1983, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Atwood, Kan., with Father Didacus Dunn and Father Rene Bower, OFM Cap. concelebrating the Mass. Lector for the mass was Melvin's son, Greg Vap, and servers were Mitch and Mike Chvatal, and Mel's nephew Kent Hamilton.
The soloist was Steve Woody and hymns were sung by the Men's Double Quartet which included; Rod Eisenbise, Don Beamgard, Steve Ottem, Lee Eisenbise, Lyie Mellick, John Morrell, Steve Woody and Keith Ross. The organist was Gleneva Higley and Joanne Rueber helped with the music selections. Offertory gifts were presented by the grandchildren.
Casket bearers were; Leroy Horinek, K. L. Reeves, Al Kompus Jr., Rodney Dill, MD., Gary Worthy and Roland Lorimer. The Honor Guard consisted of the Fourth Degree St. Pius X. Assembly and members of the Knights of Columbus No. 3033 of Atwood were in attendance.
Interment was at the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Atwood, Kan. A memorial has been established in Mel's name to the Knights of Columbus Building Fund.
Rosary devotions were recited at 8:30 p.m., Friday, March 11, 1983, at Williams Funeral Home Chapel. Knights of Columbus rosary followed.
Dinner was served by the Sacred Heart Christian Mother's Altar Society.
Arrangements were under the direction of Williams Funeral Home Inc.
CARD OF THANKS
Perhaps you sent a lovely card,
Or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent a floral piece,
If so we saw it there.
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words,
As any friend could say;
Perhaps you were not there at all,
Just thought of us that day,
Whatever you did to console our hearts,
We thank you so much whatever the part.
May God give each of you His blessings and our love.—Irene and children.
Thirty-five years ago, when Melvin joined our family we grew to know what an outstanding person he was.
We, the Barnhart family, say "We that knew him best, loved him most."
---------- Notes ----------
His father Joseph (1901-1986) was the son of Frederick Vap and Frances Pochop. His mother Anna (1908-1990) was the daughter of John F. Kacirek and Victoria Waiss.