Mark H. Melander

Mark H. Melander, age 61 of Topeka, KS, passed away on May 9th, 2017 at Stormont Vail in Topeka, KS after an unexpected illness. He was surrounded by his family.

Mark Henry Melander was born December 25, 1955, in Independence, KS to Henry C. and F. Mildred (Ewing) Melander. He attended Wayside Elementary and graduated from Caney Valley High School. He worked for M & M Contracting before graduating and after graduation worked for Santa Fe Railroad. In 1975 he started his telecommunications career with AT&T. He obtained his radiotelephone license and continued to work through different titles within the company. For a number of years he was a CWA local 6410, district 6 union president. He was with AT&T for 41 years as a telecommunication technician.

On January 14, 1983 he married Diana Lynn Swearingen in Independence, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and F. Mildred Melander.

He is survived by his wife, Diana of Topeka, KS, two sons; Matthew Melander of Chanute, KS and Marcus Melander of Riley, KS; a daughter, Megan (Andrew) Null of Shawnee KS, 3 grandsons; two sisters; Linda Boots of Independence, KS and Jane Speaks of Broomfield, CO; a brother, Tim Melander of San Jose, CA; and many nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.

He enjoyed being on the farm and taking his grandsons on tractor rides. He enjoyed fixing things and working side by side with his children. He was very active in his children's sports and was a volunteer coach for the Chanute rec commission for many years.

Mark loved spending time with his family, which were his greatest pride and joy. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was well loved and liked by anyone who met him. He was loyal and would always be there if you needed him. He could always offer sound advice and his sense of humor and stories will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life in loving memory of Mark is planned for family and friends on Saturday, August 26, 2017 from 2 - 4 pm at the Wayside Christian Church at Wayside, KS.

A memorial has been set up in Mark's memory. Donations can be sent to Helping Hands Humane Society in Topeka. www.hhhstopeka.org