John Christopher “Chris” Melvin

March 24, 1993 - October 6, 2023

Hillcrest Covenant Church

8801 Nall Avenue

Prairie Village, KS 66207

913-901-2300 |

Saturday 11/25, 10:30 am

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Chris’s name may be given to the Golden Scoop (www.thegoldenscoop.org), Down Syndrome Innovations (www.kcdsi.org), or Church of the Resurrection (COR) Mental Health Services (Attn: Memorial gifts in honor of Chris Melvin, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood KS 66224)

John Christopher “Chris” Melvin, 30, of Overland Park, KS, passed away Friday, October 6, 2023, in Lafeyette, IN.

Chris was born March 24, 1993, in Kansas City, MO to John J. and Joan L. Melvin. From a very young age, Chris’s imagination shone brightly. Growing up, when he wasn’t playing soccer, he was writing stories. His creativity was profound. He was a graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School in Prairie Village, KS and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Truman State University where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He received his Master’s Degree in Communications from the University of Kansas. After working as an underwriter for Marsh McLennan and an analyst at Shamrock Trading Co, he decided to continue his education and become a professor. He was currently a graduate student at Purdue University where he was teaching public speaking and working toward his PhD in Communications.

Chris was an avid reader and deep thinker. In addition to novels, he also enjoyed reading books on philosophy, theology, and Biblical doctrine. He was endlessly curious, highly intelligent, a life-long learner, and someone whose kindness and humor had a positive impact on everyone he met. He kept his professors on their toes and inspired his classmates with challenging questions and insights. Chris was passionate. He pursued his interests whole-heartedly, whether it was his studies, his writing, or even the way he played with his nieces and nephew, whom he adored. He openly shared his love of family and his faith with his coworkers. Thoughtful and compassionate, Chris was a friend to the homeless, volunteered at KC Hospice, and he volunteered at Camp Erin, a bereavement camp for children who recently lost a loved one. Chris was a lover of music and even wrote his own lyrics. He was a talented and eloquent writer. Though he enjoyed a variety of music, Chris’s favorite genre was rap. Chris was well-spoken—an excellent communicator, public speaker, and conversationalist. While he was a loyal, genuine friend to many, Chris’s younger brother Jack (with Down Syndrome) was his biggest fan.

Chris will be remembered for his bright smile and his brilliant mind. He had an incredible sense of humor and a laugh that lit up the room. Not only was he witty and fun, but Chris also had the ability to make those around him feel calm and uplifted, a unique trait that was appreciated by everyone who was blessed to know him.

Along with his parents, John and Joan Melvin, he is survived by his 3 siblings, Lindsey (Michael) Garcia of Overland Park, KS (children Iris and Ezra), Jessica (David) Pool of Mission, KS (daughter Vivienne), and Jack Melvin of Overland Park, KS.

Chris’s Memorial Service will be held at Hillcrest Covenant Church (8801 Nall Ave, Prairie Village KS) on 11/25 at 10:30.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Annie & Mike Best

Daniel Stewart

Barb

Tabitha Gill

Sharon Walker

Elliot Omanson

Maureen Scribner-Read, Sullivan Read

Cris and Ernie Pierson

The Terrills

Niki Porter

Alex Rorie

Hillcrest Covenant Church

8801 Nall Avenue

Prairie Village, KS 66207

913-901-2300 | Map

Saturday 11/25, 10:30 am

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John Christopher “Chris” Melvin, 30, of Overland Park, KS, passed away Friday, October 6, 2023, in Lafeyette, IN. Chris was born March 24, 1993, in Kansas City, MO to John J. and Joan L. Melvin. From a very young age, Chris’s imagination shone brightly. Growing up, when he wasn’t playing soccer, he was writing stories. Continue Reading

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Praying you through this past week and every day.

In memory of John Christopher “Chris” Melvin, Daniel Stewart lit a candle

My dearest Lindsey, I just wanted to let you know how much I love you.! I am here at the service with you in spirit and praying for you and your family. I know you will miss Chris terribly, but he will always be with you in your heart. And the Lord will watch over him with all of the angels in Heaven. I will always be here for you! You will never be alone. I am so sorry for your loss. Barb

Gracious, am I sad to learn of Chris’s passing. He was such a gifted speaker/performer; I was thrilled to get to know him through the SME and SMSD Poetry SLAM, which I helped sponsor when I was teaching at East. He was extra kind, fun, warm, and bright: a gift to those around him. Praying for comfort and peace to all who knew and loved him.

Sending my condolences to the Melvin family and all of Chris’ friends. Chris was a formative part of my high school experience as he always brought his bright, cheerful personality and sense of humor with him whenever he went. I was lucky to call him one of my best friends. He was always so thoughtful and caring towards others, and left a resounding impact on his community. He is already and will always be greatly missed.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our sincere condolences to your family during this difficult time. You are in our family prayer every night. May the peace of The Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.

Your light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who were blessed with your love and life.

Sympathies are extended to the Melvin family from Hillcrest Covenant Church. We feel your loss deeply and ask God to comfort and carry you through this difficult time.

John and family, I cannot imagine the heartbreak you are suffering through right now. I hope you know how many of us love you and are praying for you.

We are so sorry for you loss. Our hearts ache for you family. Please accept our condolences. Maureen and Sullivan

We are so very sorry for your loss. Chris was a wonderful person. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

In memory of John Christopher “Chris” Melvin, The Terrills lit a candle

What a beautiful obituary for such a one-of-a-kind human being! While I didn’t know Chris personally, I am certain it was my loss. We pray for peace for your family through this very sad time!

In memory of John Christopher “Chris” Melvin, Niki Porter lit a candle

In memory of John Christopher “Chris” Melvin, Alex Rorie lit a candle

In memory of John Christopher “Chris” Melvin, Angi Wilkey lit a candle

Sending my thoughts and prayers for all the family during this very difficult time.

I was so sad to hear the news. I grew up with Chris and have known him since we all played soccer together in kindergarten. He was always the nicest guy and could make anybody around him feel like a friend. He was one of the most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and words cannot express the impact he had on everybody around him.

In memory of John Christopher “Chris” Melvin, Bill and Dianne Ryan lit a candle

I was blessed to work with Chris at Shamrock Trading Corp. I was lucky enough to sit in on his first interview to join our Legal Department. After the interview, the three of us who interviewed Chris, gathered to discuss our thoughts. Right off the bat, after only an hour long initial meeting we all fell in love with him. He was charming, thoughtful, intelligent, professional and every other thing you would want in an employee. It wasn't until after Chris settled in that we really got to know him and how truly special he was. Chris was amazing at everything that he did, but that isn't what made him an incredible co-worker and friend. He was genuine! He was absolutely hilarious! He was an amazing story teller and entertainer. He was a little bit reserved in some areas but 100% in and open in others. He was accountable and generous and kind. His family was his rock and he loved bragging about them. His eyes lit up every time he talked about Jack. He was such a big bright part of this group, and we have all been blessed to have known him. We were all so incredibly impressed and proud when he left to pursue his dream at Purdue. To the Melvins and all of Chris' people, I am so sorry for your loss, and am sending out thoughts of strength in your journey to find peace. To Chris! Thank you! I will look forward to the day we meet again. I take comfort in knowing that you have found your own place of peace, and that beautiful dimpled smile has once again found its truth and shines as brightly as ever.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Thinking of you in this time of loss.

May the peace be with you, Chris.

Lindsey and Family, I am so so sorry for your loss. I never met him but from the beautiful obituary it sounds like he was a wonderful man of God. My very deepest condolences. Praying for you and your family as you are so heavy on my heart. Natalie VanHolbeck

In memory of John Christopher “Chris” Melvin, Alison Lute lit a candle

My deepest sympathies to you and your family, John. Sending love, prayers and continued strength to all of you today and in the days ahead?

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beautiful son. We are so sorry. Lanny and Katy Maness

In memory of John Christopher “Chris” Melvin, Ashley Ballard lit a candle

We are thinking of you with our hearts and remembering you with our prayers

In memory of John Christopher “Chris” Melvin, Brittany Ledman lit a candle

This year of college was my first, which came with struggles and anxieties about a new place. Chris was my TA for class, and he was so patient with me, he would help me at any point and understood what I was going through. He was the only person who tried to understand my struggles. Not to mention he did an amazing job at getting the students to know one another, Im not close to anyone in the class but I felt connected to them in some way. He did a great job for the class. Thank you for everything, I hope wherever you are you get this. I won’t fail, for you.

In memory of John Christopher “Chris” Melvin, Jackson Pavey lit a candle

It doesn't feel like there are enough words in the universe to describe Chris and the impact he had on all of our lives. It feels like a disservice to simply state that he was an amazing person, because he was so much more than that. I can confidently say that he was one of the most genuine, caring, funny, charismatic people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I was Chris' Supervisor at Shamrock for a couple of years prior to my resignation. Any time that there was any task with Chris' name involved, you knew it would be done correctly, in a timely and professional manner. It didn't matter what Chris did, he did everything really well. I will genuinely miss his infectious smile and random songs he would sing throughout the day. One of my favorite things about Chris was how much he loved not only his family, but Jack especially. For anyone reading this that is struggling with this insurmountable loss, I wanted to share a quote that has helped me with prior losses in my own life. "Grief, I've learned, is really just love. It's all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go."

While our hearts are breaking for you, we know your love for Chris is eternal and memories of him will continue to bless you. Know that you are all in our daily prayers.

I didn’t know Chris for long, but with the short time I was given it was a blessing to have him as my Communications professor. Chris was an amazing teacher and is the first professor I have had that I feel really cared for my success. He was a stand up guy that most men should strive to be like. My prayers go out to his amazing family that raised such a kind soul. His impact on my life will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Chris.

Chris was a bright, thoughtful, and selfless friend. I was lucky enough to get to know him at Shamrock, and we stayed close after he left for school. We would play videogames on weekends and just talk about how the week went. It was something I looked forward to, a chance to unwind and destress with a buddy. I am so, so lucky to have had Chris, or "Dale" as we called him in the office, as a friend. I am extremely sorry for your loss, and I hope you will find some peace.

Chris was always the center of attention in our Wed Pow Wow's at work. He always brightened the room with his contagious smile. He was always willing to help anyone when help was needed and set a good example as a employee but not only that but being a good friend. We loved him sharing all his stories to doing Dale drop's (trivia questions for our team). You could tell he had a passion at what he did. He was one of the nicest humans I met within RTS. He truly will be missed. Prayers to his family and I am truly sorry the family is going through this.

It was an honor to consider Chris a friend and we were blessed to have worked closely with him a number of years at Shamrock Trading Corp. Chris left a mark on all of us with his sense of humor, wit, kindness, and spirit and he will be deeply missed by all of us. We are all better for having known and worked with Chris - friend, excellent co-worker, and even better human being. RIP my friend.

John, so very sorry for the loss of your son. Prayers for you and your family.

John, so very sorry to hear of your loss. My heart breaks for you and your family. Sending prayers.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

It was such a delight to know Chris for a number of years - and with my husband too on our most recent visit to KC for Lindsey and Mike’s wedding. We were all so saddened to learn of Chris’ death - and whilst we may be on the other side of the Atlantic, my whole family have all of the Melvin’s in our thoughts and prayers. Chris, it was an honour to know you and we all hope that you have found your peace. Ian & George and our families.

This message is to remember the happy and smiling Chris I met at Purdue. He was such a colleague, and although I barely interacted with him during his time at Purdue, I can say Chris will shine forever in my heart. Chris will always be remembered as an incredible person who shared joy wherever he went. May the Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, give peace to his soul.

Chris was a wonderful and devoted friend who had a tremendous impact on my life. His warmth and creativity lit up our childhood and he left an indelible mark on many close friends. Sending my sincere condolences to all family and friends and wishing strength in your time of need.

Sending love to the Melvin family and holding the space for Chris’s light to continue to shine bright in the lives of all he touched.

We will always remember Chris as a shining light. As a young boy, he inspired us with his grin, his kindness, and the creativity of his writings — which he read aloud with such persuasive passion. We are holding your whole family up in prayer. Our hearts go out to you. We love you so very much.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.