Mell H. Kuhn, 71, of Arkansas City, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2023, at his home surrounded by family and his three beloved puppies, Maggie, Siena, and Daisy.

Born November 10, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of Melvin "Mel" and Doris (McCracken) Kuhn.  He was raised and received his education in St. Louis, graduating from Lindbergh High School in 1970.  While in high school, Mell received all-state honors in football.  Following high school, he attended Missouri State University on a football scholarship, and later transferred to Northeastern Oklahoma.

In 1974, he married Nancy Underwood.  To this union, a son was born.  The couple later divorced.  In 1982, he married Kathryn "Elizabeth" Kelley.  The couple made their home in Arkansas City starting in 1988 and later divorced.

Mell began his career as a plumber working for his father at Mel Kuhn and Sons Mechanical Engineering. He later worked for MSI and started Kuhn Mechanical in 2000.  He owned and operated Kuhn Mechanical for over 20 years, until retiring in 2020.

He was a member of Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church, the Pipefitters Union, and was a 33rd degree Mason.  He enjoyed shooting, was a National Sniper Rifle Champion, a Three Gun Champion, and a member of the IPCS.  Mell also served as a Mayor of Arkansas City, was a City Commissioner, and served as a board member of the Land Rush Museum.

His family includes his wife Dina Alden of Arkansas City; his children, Ian Kuhn of Arkansas City; David Schuetz of Wichita; Dustin Schuetz and wife, Lori of Arkansas City; Michael Kuhn and wife, Jamie of Arkansas City; Molly Kuhn of Arkansas City; Will Dorrell and wife, Brittney of Nixa, MO; his sisters, Dana Micklos of Long Island, NY; Peggy Grant and husband, Seth of Edinburgh, Scotland; Sally Beisty and husband, John of Philadelphia, PA; his brother Michael Kuhn of San Pedro, Belize; his grandchildren, Dalton Schuetz, Lacy Kuhn, Kenzie Kuhn, Avery Schuetz, Gavin Schuetz, Addison Kuhn, Jackson Schuetz, Carlie Schuetz, Sophie Schuetz, Michael Kuhn, Preston Dorrell, Carson Dorrell; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mell was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church in Arkansas City under the direction of Miles Funeral Service in Winfield.  A celebration of life will follow at the Parkerfield Community Center.

A memorial has been established in Mell's name for the Cowley County Humane Society.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.