Mel L. Hambelton

HAMBELTON, Mel, 81, Wichita car dealer passed away on March 22, 2015 with his family by his side. Mel was a staple in the Kansas car business for more than 50 years. Mel started in the car business in 1958 with Bob Moore Oldsmobile. In 1961, Mel opened his first franchise dealership, Hambelton Chevrolet in Gainesville, Missouri. In 1969, Mel owned Import Volkswagen. In 1984, Mel opened his first Ford dealership on North Broadway. Mel had several other dealerships in the surrounding area including Friendly Ford of El Dorado and Mel Hambelton Chevrolet in Mulvane, as well as several used car dealerships. In June of 2002, Mel expanded and built a new state of the art Ford dealership on the west side at The Big Corner of 119th and West Kellogg. Mel was heavily involved with the community and many charities. On March 22, 1958 Mel married Beverly Anderson at the Westside Church of God in Wichita. Mel is survived by Beverly, his wife of 57 years; and his children, Mark, Lisa, Kurt, and Eric; grandchildren: Allison, Megan, Stefani, Eden, Tyler, Logan, Taryn, Kyle, Paige, Ashtin, Alexis, Austin, and Brooke; and great-grandchildren, Mya Thomas and Jentry Downs. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mannie and Virginia Hambelton, his son Jeff, and brother Loyd Hambelton. Visitation on Wednesday, March 25 at Resthaven Mortuary from 6-8 p.m. with funeral service at Olivet Baptist Church (3440 W 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67203) on Thursday, March 26 at 10 am. Memorial contributions may be made to Union Rescue Mission, 2800 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219 or Good Neighbor Center, 3500 W 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67203.