Melvin D. Embrey

Melvin D. Embrey joined beloved family and friends in God's care on Monday, November 24, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas. He was born on November 30, 1937, in Stella, Missouri, to Herman and Pearl (Argabright) Embrey.

Melvin graduated from Fairview High School in 1955 and moved to Wichita, where he worked as a machinist at Boeing from 1956 to 1971. He married Judith (Judy) Castor during this time, and they adopted a daughter, Lisa, in 1969.

In the 1970s, Melvin dedicated himself to missionary work across Central and South America, building homes and churches in countries including Panama, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay.

A devoted member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association since 1980, Melvin helped establish the Jesus Team chapter in Wichita in 1985. His love of travel took him across most of the United States and into parts of Canada and Mexico on his motorcycle.

Melvin was an avid square dancer. He served as vice chairman of the Kansas State Square Dancing Association and danced with several clubs in Wichita. Alongside his second wife, Dorothy Rogers of Van Buren, Arkansas, he co-owned the Square Dance and Western Wear shop in Wichita during the 1980s.

Known for his generosity and hands-on spirit, Melvin often assisted friends and neighbors with handiwork and yard projects. Even during his final years in assisted living in Lawrence, he remained active restoring and painting furniture.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Carol Embrey, John Embrey, and J.C. Embrey; and sisters Darlene Carson-Epp and Janice Cluck. He is survived by his brother Ethan Embrey of Stark City, Missouri; daughter Lisa Greenwood and her husband Brad of Lawrence; and grandchildren Spencer and Katharine Greenwood.

May his memory bring a smile to those who knew him.