Mel D. (Holly) Holopirek, 81, died November 29, 2023 at his home in Maize, Kansas after an extended battle with cancer. Born May 10, 1942 to Ernest and Pauline (Krug) Holopirek, he grew up in the small town of Timken with brothers Rick (Kathy), Ken, and sister Debra (Eric) Kohn. Mel graduated from Bison High School and Fort Hays State College with a B.S. in Business Administration.
Serving his country in the U.S. Air Force, Mel rose to the rank of Captain where he was a Titan II Missile Commander. He and Darnell Keller Heskett eloped August 17, 1969. After making their first home in Tucson, AZ, they returned home to Kansas where career opportunities led to Oakely, Colby, and Ft. Scott. Mel retired as Vice President of Farmers Bank and Trust, Albert, Kansas in 2014.
Mel and Darnell made their final home in Maize. A man of God, his Life Church family was a source of joy and peace for him. Mel will always be remembered as one who dearly loved his family. Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his wife of 54 years, Darnell; daughters Terra (Alan) Zerr, Stillwater OK, Jemelle Ebers, Wichita, and son Lander (Kary) Holopirek, Wamego and grandchildren Steele, Shaye, and Stratten Ebers.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Life Church 3210 N. Maize Rd., Maize Kansas. Inurnment will be in the Fort Scott National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Mel and Darnell Holopirek Educational Scholarship at Barton Community College Foundation, 245 NE 30 RD, Great Bend, KS 67530. Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home, Andover and online guest book may be signed at www.heritageofandover.com.