Melvin Gene Breathouwer was born on a farm west of Norton Kansas on June 7, 1935 to Henry "Vernon" Breathouwer and Leona (LeCount) Breathouwer.  The family later moved to a farm near Prairie View, Kansas where Melvin graduated high school.  He then went on to Graduate Fort Hays University with a Bachelor of Science Degree.  This is also where he met his wife, Margaret Breathouwer.  The two married on August 9, 1958, shortly before Melvin was drafted into the Army, where he was stationed in Germany.  The pair's oldest child, Debra Breathouwer was born in Frankfort, Germany.

Upon being honorably discharged from the Army, Melvin and his family moved to a farm outside of Long Island, Kansas where he was a long time dairy farmer.  They went on to have three more daughters, Judy, Diane and Shawna and one son, Kevin.

Melvin was a die-hard fan of Northern Valley schools sports, a long time member of the lions club and a member of the Reformed Church at Prairie View.  He was well known for his ability to tell stories (all true of course) and his appreciation for a good meal.  He is pre deceased by his parents; Vernon and Leona Breathouwer; his wife, Margaret Breathouwer; two daughters, Debra Breathouwer and Diane (Lowry) Breathouwer, a son, Kevin Breathouwer and two grandsons, Joseph and Eli.  He is survived by two daughters, Judy Low and Shawna Milller; and four grandchildren, Kodi, Brandon, Sam and Abby.

A graveside service will be held Tues. Jan. 19 at 1:30 p.m. in the Norton Cemetery with Pastor Lew VanDerWege officiating.  The service will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.

Visitation will be from noon to 9:00 Sunday & 9:00 to 9:00 Monday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Northern Valley Athletic Dept.