Melvin Betzner

Melvin Eugene Betzner was born in Tarkio, Missouri, on February 14, 1940 to Clinton A. and Margaret (Mason) Betzner. He was the fifth of seven children.

Life for Melvin changed at the age of 17 when he was sent to live in several institutions and state hospitals for almost 20 years.

In 1977 Melvin became a member of the PDC family in Atwood, Kansas. This would be his home for forty-four years.

Melvin became an inspiration to others by becoming very independent and living in his own apartment. For many years he worked at the PDC cleaning. He enjoyed eating lunch at the Obert Center, eating out, walking around Lake Atwood, going shopping, going to the movies, cooking, and reading newspapers.

Several years ago, PDC did a project with murals around town. Melvin drew his favorite childhood toy-which were marbles that he colored. When the artist asked him, Melvin in his very quiet voice and bowed head, told about his marbles even using his fingers like he remembered holding them. A community member gave him a sack of marbles. A memory of marbles sparked a “happy” time in his life. Another happy memory was when he was reunited with two sisters that he had not seen in over 50 years.

Melvin leaves to mourn his sister Madeline (Sam) Doyle of Texas and his family at PDC.

He may have been quiet, but he was a real “highlight” to our PDC family.
All of us would like to express our deep appreciation to Stephanie Pelkey and Mel Pelkey for all they did for our dear Melvin.

A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Prairie Developmental Center, Atwood. Memorials are suggested to PDC and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com