Merle K. Velia

September 19, 1972 - December 20, 2017

FRONTENAC, KS – Merle K. Velia, 45, of Frontenac, died December 20, 2017 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri, of an illness. He was born September 19, 1972 in Columbus, KS the son of Merle Wayne and Vera Christine Podobnik Velia. He had been a resident of the Frontenac area for over 20 years. He attended college in Indianapolis, Indiana for 2 years. He worked as a machinist at Pitt Plastics in Pittsburg, Shannon Plastics in Tupelo, Mississippi and was the plant manager at Napco Bag and Film in Carrolton, Texas. He also worked at 5th Street Bar and Grill in Pittsburg and Shooters Bar and Grill in Frontenac. Membership was held in the Pittsburg Masonic Lodge, was active in softball, dirt track racing and Pool leagues. Survivors include two sons Jacob Wilson and Leonard Barton both of Pittsburg, two daughters Megan Wilson and Annie Barton both of Pittsburg, one sister Mary Jo Cook and her husband Dwayne of Butler, MO and two brothers Randy Richey and his wife Brenda of Joplin and George Richey of Appleton City, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents. Private graveside services will be held at a later date in Highland Park Cemetery in Pittsburg, KS. A memorial has been established to the Kansas City Hospice House of Kansas City, MO in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left at our web site www.bathnaylor.com.