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Melvin (Ray) Hinkle
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Melvin Ray Hinkle
September 18, 1952 - March 18, 1989
Obituary:
| KINGMAN - Melvin Ray Hinkle II, 36, Country Cupboard owner and operator, died Saturday, March 18, 1989. Service 10:30 a.m. today, Livingston Funeral Home. Survivors: wife, Julie; sons, Melvin Ray III of Wichita, Britt of Kingman; daughter, Kimberly of Wichita; stepson, Neil McCune, stepdaughter, Jamaica McCune, both of Kingman; parents, Melvin R. and Jean, brother, Brad, all of Wichita; sister, Susan Christiansen of Wellington. |
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Larry Harris
Ray was such a big part of the gang that lived in the "Orchard" and went to Dodge Elementary, Mayberry Jr High and then West High.
He was softspoken, even shy, but he was always willing to give one a hand, listen to your sad stories and offer encouragement without being pious.
Many were the summer days spent riding our bikes around the Orchard or playing baseball at the Kiwanis park next to Dodge Elementary. His folks obtained a shetland pony once and we all took turns trying to ride him (he was so small our feet dragged on the ground).
As too often happens to childhood friends we drifted apart after Mayberry, each taking a different path to the future. After West High he remained in Kansas and I headed west to Colorado. But whenever I would call mom and ask her what was up with the guys from the Orchard, Ray's name always came up.
It broke my heart to learn of Ray's passing. Even though he has been gone for a long time, the infectious smile and gentle manner of the skinny little kid from the Orchard will always live in my memory.
Rest gently, Ray. Rest gently.