BURLINGTON — Melvin Holloway, Burlington, died Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Coffey County Hospital, Burlington. He was 67.
He was born Dec. 29, 1954, in Wichita, the son of Ival William and Vina Ovitha (Sears) Holloway.
Melvin transitioned from Hartford Manor to COF Training Services, Osage City, in 1992. In 2019, he transferred to a Burlington home within COF Training Services, where he lived until his death.
He met Rose while he was a resident at COF, and she became his lifelong sweetheart.
Melvin worked in multiple IDD workshops throughout his career, including Franklin County Rehab Center, Hetlinger’s Workshop, Emporia, and COF Training Services Workshop, Osage City and Burlington. He also enjoyed working on the Budweiser plan through IEE in Osage City. He was hired through Stan’s Cleaning to clean throughout the week at the senior center for a short period of time while living in Osage City.
He had most recently been working at the COF Day Building, Burlington, through IEE, working on a contract through Century Link, wrapping cords. He loved working and tried hard every day. Even through COVID, his work was brought to him at his house so he could work.
Melvin spent his social time with peers and family. He loved to play cards, work on puzzles with his friends, and participate in barbecues with his housemates. He enjoyed going to church, and he was part of the church in Osage City and Burlington. He enjoyed visiting with family, fishing, going to the Rec Center, renaissance festivals, bowling, rodeos, state fairs, going out to eat, and going on vacations with Special Journeys.
He had a great personality. He loved to talk and chat with friends, family and guardians. He was a caring, selfless person whom his housemates, co-workers and staff enjoyed spending time with. He took great pride in his appearance.
Melvin participated in the Special Olympics, bowling tournaments and the Kiwanis club, Osage City. He also loved volunteering his time with organizations to help out his community. He volunteered at Harvesters during the summer months, where meals were provided for children in Burlingame and Osage City. He also volunteered to work the food table at the COF golf tournament, volunteered at the Old 75 Art Gallery in Burlington, and volunteered with the City of Lebo each winter helping make gift bags for Santa to hand out to the children.
He is survived by his brothers, Harold Holloway, Meridian, Idaho, Ivan Holloway, Denver, Ernest Holloway, Calvin Holloway and Rocky Holloway, all of Ava, Mo.; his sisters, Leola Hufft, Monett, Mo., Ethel Welch, Lebanon, Mo., Latricia Baker, Wichita, Laura Gideon, Monett, Mo., and Cindy Ennes, Denver; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, May 28, at Conway Springs Cemetery, Conway Springs.
Memorial contributions may be made to COF Training Services and sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, KS 66801.
Condolences may be left at RobertsBlue.com.
