Melvin "Tobe" Dean Handley, age 94, of Onaga, Kansas, passed away at Eastridge Nursing Home on Monday, June 3, 2024. He was born on May 12, 1930, in Onaga, Kansas, to Evelyn Richmond Handley Novak and Bert Handley. Tobe was a lifelong resident of Onaga.
Tobe graduated from Onaga High School in 1948. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the Korean conflict and served in the Army stationed in Japan until 1952. Upon his return, he married Mary Jean Grim on November 29, 1953. Together, they had one daughter, Melinda Handley Fisher (Ramon) of Onaga.
Tobe dedicated 47 years of his professional life to the Kansas Power and Light Company, (Westar) (Evergy). Additionally, he was deeply committed to the Community Hospital Onaga, where he was first elected to the board on February 6,1976 and served as President/Chairman from 2001 to 2014. During his 38 years on the Board of directors he was a champion of rural health care and was involved in 3 renovations as well. He served on the Board of Directors or as Board President for over 30 years, championing rural health care.
An avid hunter, Tobe once owned over 38 trail hounds. He loved coyote and quail hunting and working bird dogs, and cherished fishing and hunting with his friends and grandsons. Known for his incredible memory, he loved to share humorous stories about life, bringing joy and laughter to those around him.
He leaves behind a loving family, including grandchildren Dalton Blow (Kelsey) of Onaga, Dustin Blow (Megan) of Wheaton, Kassidy Fisher (Kameron) of Topeka, Zachary Fisher of Onaga (Baker University in Baldwin City), and Rayce Fisher of Onaga, two sisters-in-law, Cindy (Hank) Hays, of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Neva Handley, of Onaga. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Brynnlee and Baker (children of Dustin and Megan), of Wheaton.
Tobe was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Mary Jean Handley (Grim), three siblings, Dale "Tex" Handley, Phyliss Lewis Porter (John), and Judy Handley (Spurlock), and three half-siblings, Clarence “Bud” Handley, Gladys Gillenwater and Lucile Armstrong.
Tobe was a member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion and the First Congregational UCC Church of Onaga. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and numerous longtime friends whom he considered family.
The family wishes to offer sincere thanks to the numerous people who helped keep Tobe in his home until the last few weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Eastridge Nursing Facility in Centralia, KS, as a token of gratitude for the amazing and compassionate care provided to Tobe.
Tobe's dedication to his community, his love for rural life, and his passion for family and friends will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. His stories and humor will continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Celebration of life services with Masonic Rites and Military Honors will be held outside at the Onaga Cemetery on Saturday, June 15th at 10:30 a.m. The family will be available immediately following the service at the Onaga Community Center, where a luncheon will be served. There will be a register book available to sign from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, Monday through Friday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga.
