Melvin Cashman

Melvin Myron Cashman, 79 of Topeka, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2009 at St. Francis Health Center. He was born on December 14, 1929 in Powhattan, Kansas to Myron Elliott and Mary Elizabeth (Kenward) Cashman.

Melvin worked in food service at the VA Hospital for 25 years. He was a member of Golden Rule Lodge No. 90 A.F & A.M.; Topeka Lodge No. 17; Hiawatha Lodge No. 35; Orient Lodge No. 51; Capital City Day Light Lodge No. 454; a past master for Auburn Lodge No. 32 in 1998 and 2002; and a past master for Hanlen Lodge No. 185 in 1960. He was a member of Arab Temple Shrine; DeMolay Knights; Twin Lakes Shrine Club; Topeka Scottish Rite Bodies, where he received Knight Commander Court of Honor; Topeka York Rite Bodies; and St. Augustine Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. He delivered Meals on Wheels for several years and was a 54 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Helena Chapter No. 210. Melvin was an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where he was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Melvin is survived by a sister Vivian H. Norris of San Diego, CA; two nephews Jim Norris of Seattle, WA and Steven Norris of Baron, CA; several great nieces and nephews and several great-great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22 at Penwell-Gabel Parker Price Chapel. Burial will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery. Melvin will lie in state after 3:00 p.m. on Monday with visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and a rosary at 7:00 p.m. all at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Arab Temple Children's Hospital Travel Fund, 1305 S. Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66612 or to a charity of the donor's choice.