8/8/1946 – 1/23/2026
Lawrence
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Melvin Wayne Goin on January 23, 2026, following a thirteen-year battle with Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia (FTD) and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). Melvin was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend. He was known for his generous spirit, sharp mind, innovative nature and love of history and storytelling.
Born on August 8, 1946, in St Joseph, Missouri, Melvin was the first-born child of Melvin Milford and Stella Marie Goin. He grew up on the family’s row-crop farm in Wathena, Kansas, where he learned to drive a tractor at nine years old. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Burr Oak Bottom, often as the only student in his grade, surrounded by siblings, cousins and close-knit community.
Active in 4-H, he once demonstrated electrical wiring on local television. Melvin graduated from Wathena High School in 1964, participating in football, basketball, track, school plays and choir. He captained the basketball team his senior year.
He went on to earn an associate degree from Missouri Western Junior College (1966), followed by a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from the University of Kansas. He became a Certified Public Accountant and completed his MBA at Northwest Missouri State University.
Melvin began his professional career at Arthur Andersen and Company in Kansas City before joining Missouri Methodist Hospital in St Joseph, where he served for eighteen years advancing from Chief Accountant to Corporate Treasurer through the merger that formed Heartland Health Center (now Mosaic Life Care).
He later became Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Finance at Mt. Carmel Medical Center in Pittsburg, Kansas, serving two terms totaling sixteen years. During his tenure, the hospital received the Turnaround Hospital of the Year for medium sized hospitals from the American Hospital Association. Mel was honored for his spirit, dedication and expertise.
Mel also served two terms as Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer of Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City Iowa, retiring in 2008.
Melvin met his future wife, Cathy Ann Evans, on the first day of college in chemistry class. They married on September 6, 1968, and share 57 years of love, partnership, and family life. Melvin was a proud and devoted father to his daughters: Carrie Raney (Patrick) Lawrence KS, Julie Rea (Jarret), Lawrence, KS and Sarah Kliewer, Shawnee, KS. He was blessed with six grandchildren: Zachary Kliewer (Olivia) Pittsburg, KS, Abigail Raney, Drew Raney, Jackson Rea, Jake Rea and James Rea all of Lawrence KS. He is also survived by his siblings: Carol Hartman and Gerald Goin of Wathena, KS. Brother-in-law, Marc Evans (Christine) Kansas City, MO and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Dennis Goin.
Melvin was an avid reader with a passion for history and science fiction. He and Cathy traveled to all fifty states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and made three tours to Europe and multiple cruises before travel became difficult.
A skilled craftsman, Melvin enjoyed coin collecting, model trains and home projects – finishing the lower level of four family homes and tackling any DIY challenge with determination and the “right tools.” Though raised believing animals belong outdoors, he grew to adore the family’s indoor pets, especially his cats Bella and Beau. Above all, he loved supporting his grandchildren and rarely missed an event.
Melvin served his communities in various roles to mention a few. Lions’ Club where he was President, twice Lion of the Year, Missouri State Lion’s Club Chair for the Convention in St Joseph, MO. Member of St. Joseph’s Library board and president. YMCA Fundraising Chair. Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. Humane Society Board of Lawrence, KS Treasurer.
Melvin leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and unwavering dedication to family and community. His kindness, wisdom, and steady presence will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held on at 3:00 pm on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost, 601 Indiana, Lawrence Kansas. All who knew and loved Melvin are invited to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Lawrence Humane Society, lawrencehumane.org, St. Joseph Public Library, sjpl.lib.mo.us. Camp Kesem @ University of Kansas, donate.kesem.org or charity of the donor’s choice in honor of Melvin W. Goin. To leave a message for Melvin’s family, please visit www.Rumsey-Yost.com.
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