Melvin Joseph Kuba, 73, of Colbert, Oklahoma formerly of Cedar Rapids, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 in Durant, Oklahoma.

Funeral Services: 10:00 A.M. Saturday at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 2nd Street S.E., by Rev. Dennis Juhl. Burial: Czech National Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Christine; three daughters, Cindy Kuba of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sherry Kuba of Cedar Rapids and Melissa Kuba of Morley; four grandchildren, Jaime, Ty, Lucy and Vaughn; four sisters, Pat (Don) Verdught, Jackie (Ron) Wright , Jane Cobb and Kandy Kuba-Scarbrough ; two brothers, Joe Kuba and John (Kathy) Kuba ; two cousins, Joyce Farley and John (Phyllis) Harris; four stepchildren, Will Thompson, Karen (Rick) Horsfield, Kevin (Alina) Thompson and Brian (Erin) Thompson; former wives, Pamela Sippel and Peggy Kuba; best friend, Duane (Lorraine) Cummins; and beloved pets, Abby, Buddy, Blackie, Molly, Spot and Miss Kitty.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Joan Frazee.

Melvin was born April 23, 1942 in Cedar Rapids the son of Melvin George and Wyona (Schamel) Kuba. Melvin attended Wilson High School and directly entered into service with the United States Navy. He was employed at Cherry-Burrell as a machinist for over 30 years and was a member of the UAW. Mel also was an accomplished taxidermist and skilled hunter and fisherman.

Throughout his life, Mel enjoyed being in the outdoors, going for boat rides and long trips on his Harley. He took pride in being physically fit by running, biking and lifting weights. He enjoyed telling hunting and fishing stories to anyone that would listen. Mel loved restoring old cars and racing them down 1st Avenue. He taught his kids and grandchildren a love of the outdoors. Mel loved all animals. Throughout his lifetime he had many pets including an alligator, badger, raccoon, owl, blue bird, cow, goat, mule, horses, chickens, lizards, pigeons, dogs, cats, porcupine, macaw and turtles.

Mel married Christine Thompson on September 14, 2012 at Central Park in Jones County, Iowa and they moved to Colbert, Oklahoma in December, 2012 to enjoy the outdoors. There he continued with his favorite hobbies. In his downtime Mel enjoyed relaxing in his chair with the dogs on his lap while watching Westerns.

He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Moomey-Vogel Post 727.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.papich-kubafs.com under "obituaries".