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, brother, Dennis Goin, brother-in-law Richard Hartman and nephew, Garrett Hartman.
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.
Peace be with you, Cathy, and your family. You must have so many memories of your life together to always hold in your heart.
Cathy may God bless you and be with you and your family during this difficult time. My last fond memory of Melvin was when he was helping Gerald during harvest driving semi truck to town.
Dear Cathy and family,
Knowing Mel made him a friend for life..
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for the whole family. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry to hear about Mel. He was such a nice person. I had the privilege of working with him at Methodist hospital. He was my boss there. We all had a lot of fun working with
Him. He was a great boss. We all loved him. I also got to see Mel on a personal level. He was family too. My thoughts and prayers are with you Cathy and girls.
I am so thankful for the privilege to get to know Mel. Even amidst the challenges he faced, he was generous, witty, and so very kind. He will always be remembered as one of my favorites!
So when Carrie and I were early in our marriage living in Georgia,they would come visit from the Midwest. So I wanted to buy dinner and Mel would sneak off to “go to the bathroom” and pay the bill before I had a chance. Also, helped me wire a light fixture that had black, red, white, striped and purple wires while I was on a ladder in my basement in Manhattan, KS when he was in Lawrence. Worked perfectly. Fabulous father in law and overall great person.
Mel was a great guy, we were in the St Joseph Host Lions together always enjoyed working and talking with him.
I will always remember Mel for his astute observations, thoughtful approach, and dry wit. You all dealt with his lengthy illness with grace and compassion. May you cherish the best memories ❤️
My prayers are with the family on the loss of husband, father, grandfather and a truly good person. He touched many lives in a positive way.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cathy and girls, Jim and I are so sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. We remember our days of playing bridge, and Mel’s wit and wisdom. This past year, we lost my dad and my beautiful aunt after years of alzheimer’s and frontal lobe/aphasia, so our hearts are with you and the girls. Such a loss before the loss.
Cathy, so sorry to learn of Mel’s practically passing. Please know that Gary and I are thinking of your family at this sad time we send love and prayers.
Cathy and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Mel. We enjoyed having him as a neighbor. His wonderful sense of humor was what we loved the most. Prayers for all of your family..
I am so sorry for your loss. I grew up with Mel in Burr Oak Bottom. Then I worked for him at Methodist Medical Center for 13 years. He was always so funny and was a great boss!! My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Goin family. 🙏
Such sad news and what a horrible disease for Mel and his family to have faced. We have a lot of fond memories playing couples Bridge and kids playing together. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers for Cathy and her family ❤️
To Melvin‘s family. I am so sorry to hear the loss of Melvin. It has been a long journey for all of you. Hugs and prayers to each and everyone of you.
I worked for Mel at Methodist Hospital for 9 years. He was a great boss. Always fair & easy going. He was great boss & im sure will be missed.
This is a beautiful tribute to your father Julie. I am so sorry for your loss
Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss and your family’s loss. It is hard to lose a loved one.. So many memories.
So sorry for your loss🙏
Cathy I am so sorry to hear about Mel. You and Mel were such goods to Joe and I. I will be thinking of you and praying for you.