MELUGIN, CHARLES LEE, entered his heavenly home on April 7, 2026, at the age of 85. In the weeks leading up to his death, he spent time talking about "what a day that would be" when he would see his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, his family and friends who had gone on before, and what it would be like to be pain free after many years in poor health.

Charlie was born on June 24, 1940 to Robert Dow and Vivian Maxine (Lovell) Melugin in Kildare, Oklahoma. He was raised on the family farm outside of Dexter, Kansas with four siblings and graduated from Dexter High School in 1958. Charlie accepted Christ as his Savior on October 1, 1961. He served in the United States Army from 1963-1965 and was stationed in Germany. When he returned home, he married Darlene May Hockenbury on February 5, 1966.

Charlie and Darlene built a home on a farm just outside of Cassoday, Kansas and spent most of their married life in the area. They had five children. Charlie worked in a variety of fields over the years: Armstrong's Ice Cream, on the oil field, farming, and plastering. He owned and operated Charlie's Stucco and Plaster Service while also farming for many years. His hobbies included woodworking, gardening, baking, and fishing. He took the Melugin cousins on several fishing trips to Buck Creek where all were welcome and many memories were made.

In his retirement years, Charlie, affectionately called "Papa" by his nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren, spent hours sharing his passion for gardening, woodworking, and baking. The grandchildren enjoyed working with him in the garden and helping him at his Farmer's Market stand where he sold produce, homemade jams and jellies, breads and cakes. He was well known for his zucchini bread and carrot cake. Most recently, Papa still made his way out to his wood shop when he was able and created all kinds of things, including wooden bowls, pens, cup holders, and salt and pepper shakers.

Charlie became a member of Temple Baptist Church, El Dorado, Kansas in 1972. He served in the bus ministry for a time and had a heart for young people. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Temple Baptist Church - Youth Camp Fund.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Ray and Leon, and great grandson, Remington Ratcliff.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Darlene May (Hockenbury) Melugin, sisters Marie Tackett, Lorene (Larry) Anderson, sister-in-laws, Tamme' Melugin, Carol Melugin, and several nieces and nephews. Also survived by his children, Shane Melugin, Kirby Melugin, Denise (Chris) Blaylock, Monty (Rachel) Melugin, and Crystal (Marc) Ratcliff. Grandchildren, Kylie (Richard) Simon, Katelyn (Bryce) Fortune, Lauren (Trent) Harder, Kody (Kelcie) Melugin, Kolton Melugin, Tyler (Baylie) Melugin, Ashley Melugin, Chaz (Leah) Ratcliff, and Harley Ratcliff. Great grandchildren, Sunny and Milton Melugin, Kynlee and Ollie Harder, Macy Melugin, and three more on the way.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Baptist Church, 925 Douglas Rd., El Dorado with Pastor Ron Jones presiding.