Melvin L. Tacke, age 85, of Warrensburg, Missouri passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Country Club Care Center in Warrensburg.

Melvin was born on May 15, 1937 in Sedalia, Missouri, the son of Julius Henry Tacke and Ida Katherine (Pheffer) Tacke. On July 28, 1962, he was united in marriage to Diane L. Montgomery at the First Baptist Church in Warrensburg. She preceded him in death on March 18, 2015.

As a young boy, Melvin attended the Episcopal Church in Higginsville, Missouri. He attended Oak Grove School through 8 ^th grade before coming to Warrensburg High School for the next four years, graduating in 1955. While in high school, he played football for the Tigers along with his cousin, Tiny. After graduation, he stayed home for two years, helping his dad on the farm.

In February of 1957, Melvin went to work for KCP&L (now called Evergy), working out of a garage in Raytown, Missouri until the new building was completed on Hwy. 50. He retired in 1994, after 37 years of service in the billing department.

In 1960, Melvin joined the Missouri National Guard in Sedalia. He spent his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Fort Sill, Oklahoma as well as two weeks summer camp for the next eight years in Camp Ripley, Minnesota. In 1980, Melvin joined the Masonic Lodge in Raytown. While living in Raytown, he attended One Spirit United Methodist Church.

Melvin is survived by his longtime friend Sue Boland and his first cousins Eugene "Tiny" Lockard (Sharon), Harold Finke, and Howard Finke. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Charles Julius Tacke.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg, Missouri with Pastor David Ruhman officiating. Visitation services will begin at 2:00 p.m. and run until the time of service. Pallbearers will be Brian Morley, Doug Wanashko, Elisha Ruhman, Isaiah Ruhman, Lynn Shumate, and John Franklin as well as honorary bearers Don and Mona Allen, Dave and Lisa Ruhman, and Charlie McVey. Interment will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to One Spirit United Methodist Church or Children's Mercy Kansas City and can be left in care of the funeral home.