Melissa Meinhardt

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Melissa Rena Dahnke Meinhardt, Neosho, died peacefully at her home with family at her side on November 2, 2016 at the age of 46. 

 Melissa was born Feb. 3, 1970 in Joplin, the daughter of Larry and Billie (Daniels) Dahnke. She was a lifelong area resident of Joplin and had resided in Jasper for three years. She graduated from Neosho High School in 1988 and graduated from Crowder College and the former MSSC College, now MSSU. She worked for CSS, State of Missouri for 26 years and was an advocate for the disabled. She worked with the Special Olympics, PTA and taught Title I at Webb City, Missouri. She was a member of the Church of Christ and had been a member since 1985. 

Melissa is survived by one daughter, Madison Page Meinhardt of Joplin; her parents, Larry and Billie Dahnke of Joplin, one brother, Doug Dahnke and wife, Kristal of Loma Linda; Aunt, Mary Lyerla and husband, Warren of Joplin; Nephew, William Dahnke, Niece, Samantha Dahnke, Cousins, Brad, Lauri, Kennedy and Cade Lyerla; Shawn and Mary Ann Dilday and Lorin McNeely. Melissa is preceded in death by Maternal Grandparents, William and Mildred Daniels and Paternal Grandmother, Carolyn Beals and Paternal Grandparents, Ralph and Gerri Dahnke. 

 Services will be Friday, Nov. 4, 2016 at 1 pm at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, Dr. Ronald Lankford will officiate. Interment will follow in the Osborn Memorial Cemetery, Joplin. Serving as Pallbearers will be Larry Dahnke, Doug Dahnke, Warren Lyerla, Brad Lyerla, Cade Lyerla and Shawn Dilday. William Dahnke will serve as Honorary Pallbearer. Friends may call at the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho on Thursday from 9 am until 5 pm and the family will be at the family home. Contributions in memory of Melissa may be made to the Leukemia Association, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66, Neosho, MO 64850.

Services are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, MO.