OBITUARY (From Bonnie Lee Coatney, 12130 Landlock, Dallas, Texas 75218 (Feb 1993):

Hoxie, Sheridan County (Kansas) But a fortnight ago had a pleasant conversation with Mr. Hunter and found him in excellent spirits and buoyant and jubilant over the crop prospects and his thoughts were of the harvest, and but little did he think that to him the harvest was but a dream and that he'd be called before his labors in sowing would bear fruitage, but we're constantly reminded that the affairs of this world are transitory and that life at its best is but a narrow span between the cradle and the tomb. {He died of the Spanish Flu.}

Mr. Hunter was a kindly man, generous in his family and accommodating to his neighbors and the community has suffered a distinct loss in his passing and his family the wise council of a sympathetic husband and father. May he rest in peace.

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SECOND OBITUARY, From "The Hoxie Sentinel", 15 May 1919, page 1.

Melvin S. Hunter was born in Appanoose County, Iowa, June 15, 1855 and departed this life May 11, 1919, age 53 years, 10 months and 25 days.

In the year of 1885 he came to Lincoln County, Kansas, and in June of that year he was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda S. Snider, of Lincoln, and in the fall he with his bride returned to his old home in Iowa, where they made their home with his mother for a number of years and then returned to Lincoln County, Kansas, and resided there until 1904 when with his family he moved to Sheridan County, where he lived until his death.

*Eight children came to bless their home, seven boys and one girl, one boy died in infancy. Those living are William of Brush, Colorado, F.E. of Flagler, Colorado, J. M. of Allison, Mrs. Iva H. Smith of Lucerne, E.R. Owen and Floyd L. of Hoxie, who were all present for the funeral.

In addition to the children he leaves to mourn his loss his loving wife, one brother, Ed Hunter of Lincoln, Kansas, one half brother, Mason Jackson of Centerville, Iowa, and three sisters, Mrs. Malinda Exline and Mrs. Martha J. Manning of Lincoln, Kansas, and Mrs. Florence Van Dorn of Rathburn, Iowa; nine grandchildren, and a host of neighbors and friends.

In early life he united with the Baptist church and later with the Presbyterian church. He was also a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge of Hoxie** and his brothers of this order had charge of his funeral services which were held Tuesday at the Bow Creek Church. Rev. L.A. Branson of the Hoxie M.E. Church spoke a few words of comfort to the bereaved relatives and friends.

The pallbearers were: W.H. Clark, C.E. Miles, L.A. Hettick, L.A. Gorrell, John Townsend and J.W. Allen. His remains were laid to rest in the Bow Creek Cemetery.

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*His children are: William Rubert(12 Jul 1886-29 Apr 1974) who married Emma Shaeffer; Frank Earnest (16 Sep 1999-26 Apr 1966) who married Dea Cook; Jay Manning (18 Feb 1891-2 Mar 1968) who married A. Evalyn Talbot; Elza Rayman (28 Jun 1893-2 Jun 1983) who married first Jessie and second Nellie Cotton; Iva Hazel (13 Sep 1897-25 Jan 1892) who married Frank Arno Smith; Owen (20 Feb 1899-?) who married first Virginia Widhoff (divorced) and second Ethel Carum; Floyd Lloyd (28 Oct 1903-30 Nov 1970) who married Jennie Lucille Weaver; and unnamed baby boy who was born and died on 21 Jan. 1907.

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** He was also a member of the Odd Fellows organization. Note the 3 chain links on his headstone, which is the symbol of the Odd Fellows. His wife, Rhoda, was a member of the female-related organization, Rebekah. She has the Rebekah emblem on her gravestone.

Other children buried in this cemetery are son Frank (#29327524) and his infant son, born and died in1907 memorial # 29327540 . (I have attempted to get them to be linked, but this has not been done).