September 3, 1945-October 25, 2006
Wayne M. Melvin was born in North Platte, Nebraska, September 3, 1945 to Dewayne and Emma Huffman Melvin. He grew up on a ranch in Arthur County near Swan Lake. Wayne had an older sister, Carol, but his playmate and companion was a horse named Banner. Thus began his horsemanship skills.
After graduation from McPherson County High School in 1963, Wayne began team roping and after help from Harrison Halligan and Swede Swanson, he started steer wrestling. He joined the Nebraska State Rodeo Association, of which he was a director and officer and received his #15 Gold card for his long-term membership. In 1977, Wayne, as a heeler for Gordon Kostman, won the NSRA Team Roping Championship. This duo also won the Ressegieu Roping in 1979.
He was a member, director and officer of roping clubs in Tryon, Arthur, and Hyannis. Ropings and rodeos became a weekend past-time for Wayne and his family until the 1980’s, when he semi-retired to participate in his children’s ventures of 4-H, fishing, ropings, rodeos, and school activities, which included several State and National events.
Another rodeo position Wayne enjoyed was being a judge. He judged high school and NSRA rodeos from the 1970’s until his retirement in 2005. He was honored to be chosen by the cowboys and cowgirls as the NSRA Finals Judge numerous times. He was also honored to be nominated as Judge of the Year for the Nebraska High School and Nebraska State Rodeo Associations.
Wayne served as a director for the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association, arena director for the Logan-McPherson High School Rodeo, was on the McPherson County grade school and high school boards of education, mostly as president, for 20 years, and was a volunteer fireman and ambulance driver.
Wayne loved being a rancher, cowboy, husband, and a dad, plus confidant to those who needed his honest opinion or help.
Those who knew Wayne Melvin remember him as a cowboy who was always willing to help anyone in need. He was a familiar face at High School and NSRA rodeos. He was a friend to everyone and never had a bad word for anyone. Wayne served on many committees and boards throughout the years.
Wayne Melvin was born to Dewayne and Emma Melvin. He had one sibling, Carol (Melvin) Moran, who died in 1993. Wayne married Claudia and they have four children: Elke, Ty, Dru and Meka. Wayne worked for several ranches in the Sandhills, including the Sibbitt Ranch north of Ashby. After Wayne and Claudia moved to Tryon, Wayne worked for the McPherson County Road Department and was a long-time brand inspector.
As a mentor and friend, Wayne is missed by his family, and friends he has met along the way.