Melvin Taylor Deaver, 97, Harrisonville, MO, died Sunday, June 24, 2018 in Grandview, MO. Memorial services were held Friday, July 6, 2018 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.

Melvin was born April 6, 1921 in East Lynne, MO, the son of Albert Walter and Edith E. (Taylor) Deaver. He was a lifelong resident of East Lynne and Harrisonville, MO. Melvin married Katherine Helen Thoreson on August 24, 1941 in Harrisonville at Katherine's parents' home. Melvin served in the US Army during WWII from February, 1943 thru June, 1944. He suffered a significant injury, during training, to his left leg and foot, resulting in a discharge at 50% disability in 1944. He returned to farming for most of his life.

Melvin also drove a concrete truck for Dusselier Concrete Ready Mix Co. in Grandview, MO for 15 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 42, Harrisonville, MO. He also was a member and the leader of the Midwest Drifters band where he played fiddle all around the county.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Katherine on November 21, 2000. He is survived by two daughters, Karen Kasper (Gordon), Harrisonville, MO and Sue Carter (Roger), Colorado Springs, CO; 2 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.