Melvin Deiter

Melvin P. Deiter, 87, formerly of Maple Hill passed away Sunday, July 29, 2012 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka. He was born August 4, 1924 at Paxico, the son of Francis P. and Verna M. Stone Deiter. He was raised in the Maple Hill community and graduated from Maple Hill High School in 1942. Melvin served as a corpsman in the 2nd Marine Division fighting in the Battle of Saipan. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After Melvin was discharged from the service he moved back to the Maple Hill community and worked for Morell's Meat Packing. He later worked at the V.A. Hospital in Topeka until he retired. Mr. Deiter was a farmer and rancher for many years. He also drove a school bus for Mill Creek Valley USD No. 329, Alma. He was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville. Melvin also was a member of the American Legion. Mr. Deiter was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Joseph G., Robert and Harold Deiter, Dorothy Watt and Shirley Meier. On February 10, 1947 he was united in marriage to Charlotte Simons in Topeka. She survives at the home. Other survivors include two sons, Larry (Michelle) Deiter, Meriden and Dennis (Anna) Deiter, Raymore, MO; his daughter, Linda (Don) Harrison, Keller, TX; two brothers, Howard Deiter, Maple Hill and William Deiter, Topeka; a sister, Maxine Bronaugh, 8 grandchildren and 16 great- grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Maple Hill, Kansas. Mr. Deiter will lie in state from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys where there will be a rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to the Maple Hill Senior Center or the Donor's choice and sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.piperfuneralhome.com.