Duane Melvin Passes away

Duane Gene Melvin, 86, Topeka, died Sat., Jan. 26, 2013, at his home. He was born May 4, 1926, at Topeka, the son of Glen C. and Manila M. (Stock) Melvin. His parents and brother, Dean, preceded him in death. 
He graduated from Seaman High School and Washburn University. Duane served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Blackie played professional baseball from 1947 to 1950 and was drafted by the Cleveland Indians and played against Mickey Mantel. He had also played for the Topeka Owls. Blackie was also voted one of the Top 100 Athletes in Topeka History by the Topeka Capital-Journal.
He taught and coached at Meriden High School, Emmett High School, Robinson High School, Rossville High School, Northern Hills Jr. High School, and Seaman High School. Blackie coached football, girls’ basketball, and baseball. The Kansas Coaches Association recognized him for winning over 400 basketball games. Blackie also had 100 career wins in football and 100 career wins in baseball. He also took various baseball and basketball teams to state competition. He retired in 1988 after 38 years. He continued to substitute teach for another 22 years. He was Seaman Teacher of the Year in 1982. 
Duane was a member of the KNEA, Moose Lodge # 555, and Topeka North Post # 400 of the American Legion. 
He was married to Julia G. Wells on Oct. 11, 1952, at Topeka. She preceded him in death on Nov. 15, 2002. Surviving are his children: Diane L. Melvin of Austin, TX, Donna D. Kirkwood (Chris) of Topeka, Douglas G. Melvin (Debbie) of Denton, and Duane “Scott” Melvin of Noblesville, IN; 4 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. 
Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Thurs., Jan. 31, 2013, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka. Interment in Rochester Cemetery. Duane will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Wed., at the funeral chapel where the family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Duane G. Melvin Memorial Fund c/o Seaman High School, 4850 NW Rochester Road, Topeka, KS 66617.