DODGE CITY - Melvin Wayne Blackburn, 85, died July 20, 2016 at Western Plains Medical Complex, Dodge City. He was born on July 12, 1931 at Ft. Dodge, the son of Joseph William and Ella Mae (Smith) Blackburn.

On October 17, 1959 he married Deloris Fulton. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Wayne was a fireman in Dodge City for 38 years.

He was a member of the Dodge City Church of the Nazarene and Howard Gotschall Post#1714, V.F.W..

Wayne is survived by his wife, Deloris J. Blackburn of Dodge City; a daughter, Arlene Kingsly of Aurora, Colorado; three sons, Bradley A. Blackburn of Dodge City, Michael W. Blackburn of Dodge City and Chad A. Blackburn and wife Krystal of Alexander; nine grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and a sister, Marge Jella of Rolla, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Gregory Blackburn; three brothers and four sisters.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home on Tuesday July 26, 2016 at 10:30 AM with Dr. Michael Burns presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City with military honors by Howard Gotschall Post #1714, V.F.W. and Navy Military Honors. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Monday July 25, 2016 from Noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to V.F.W. Post #1714 in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.