Melbourne "Mel" Ring, 86, of Crook, passed away Friday, March 5, 2010, at his home. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, with Vigil service and Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 11, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with Fr. Joseph Tran officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.

Mel was born on June 3, 1923, in Smith Center, Kan., to WIlliam and WIlma (Willie Ray Brown) Ring.

He graduated from the eighth grade school at Womer, Kan., attended high school as a freshman in Smith Center, Kan., and then completed his sophomore and junior years in Lebanon, Melbourne "Mel" Ring Kan. When his family moved to Colorado, he continued his education and graduated from Sedgwick High School.

Following graduation, he moved to California and worked in a factory building 50 caliber machine guns for the war. He joined the Army Air Corp in 1943 flying 50 missions as a belly gunner in a B-17 Flying Fortress with missions over some of the most fortified targets in Germany, Poland and Yugoslavia. For Mel's service to his country, it should be noted: "Our country is in mourning. A soldier died today."

He married Angela Marie Stang on Nov. 28, 1947, in Julesburg. They lived on the Ring Brothers Ranch until 1957, when they moved to Crook. He continued farming and ranching while he owned and operated Ring Oil Company. He enjoyed serving the community through Ring Oil Company from 1957 until his death. He recently told one of his sons that he enjoyed delivering the last load of fuel as much as his first load.

He was a member of the St. Peter's Catholic Church at Crook, Crook VFW 4191, Sterling Elks Lodge, Crook Volunteer Fire Department (serving as a member and as the fire chief), served multiple terms on the Crook "Mel" Ring during World War II Town Council and served as the mayor of Crook. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, all sports, farming and ranching and spending time with family and friends. There was nothing more important to him than his family, friends, community, country and walking hand in hand with our Lord.

Mel is survived by his three sons, Ronald Ring and wife Marteena of Crook, Terry Ring and wife Glenda of Crook and Bradley Ring and wife Karleen of Brighton; brother, Lyle Ring and wife Ruth; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. His family is eternally grateful and honored to have been a part of his life — we miss him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Angela; his parents; a brother, Charles; and two grandchildren, Melissa and Brian.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the WWII Honor Flight; Hospice of the Plains; Cancer Care Services or a charity of your choice.