Melvin Brownsberger

(From Parker Mortuary)

Melvin John Brownsberger, 88 years, passed away peacefully at his home on February 8th, 2014. He was born on June 26th, 1925 in Germantown, MO, Mel was the eldest son of Theodore Joseph Brownsberger and Regina C. Westhusing.

He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and friend who never met a stranger, always had a smile for everyone, and retained his enviable sense of humor until the end. Mel was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, MO. Mel served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He attended Rockhurst University. He was a consummate salesman whose early career was spent as a Fuller Brush and Jewel Tea man. He later owned two tire shops in Colorado before retiring as a storage facility manager in Belton, MO.

Mel married Patricia Kenny Gentry in September 1951 and to this union seven children were born: Deborah Ann Miller, Gerald Paul Brownsberger, Judith Elena Stanley, Monica Joan Rohlfing, Timothy Allen Brownsberger, Natalie Jane Richmeier, and Brian Jeffrey Brownsberger. Patricia passed away in 1965.

Mel married Gertrude Louise Martyn in June 1966 and to this union three children were born: Mel John Brownsberger, Robert James Brownsberger, and Regina Rose Sweet. Mel and Gert were married for 13 years.

In February 1983, Mel chose to share his life with Betty Ann King and her children: Gary Andrew King, Lisa Marie Kissel, Carl Joseph King, and Diane Michelle Huddleston.

Mel is survived by his wife, Betty, all his children and their spouses, 33 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Mel is also survived by his siblings: Lola Buckingham, Charlene Hylton, Jeanne Stewart, Ted Brownsberger, and Dan Brownsberger. Preceding him in death are his siblings: Clifford Brownsberger, Marian Brownsberger and Sister Mary Dorothy Brownsberger, OSF.

A Funeral Mass will be performed at St. Ludger’s Catholic Church in Germantown , MO on February 15th, 2014 at 11 AM to be followed by a luncheon at Immaculate Conception Hall provided by the Altar Society of Montrose, MO following the service.