Claude Meliza

Claude Allen Meliza, age 75, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away at his home on Monday, December 1, 2025, following several months of declining health.

Claude was born on October 2, 1950, in Springfield, Missouri, to Robert Andrew Meliza, Sr. and Leota Ethel (Whitaker) Meliza. Claude grew up in Garnett, attending Longfellow Elementary School and Irving Junior High before graduating from Garnett High School in 1969.

Following high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving most of his enlistment aboard the USS Ranger. His time in the Navy took him to locations around the Philippines and the Washington state coastline. He often spoke of his deep affection for Whidbey Island, Washington. After completing his service to our country, he lived for a number of years in Wichita before relocating to Manhattan, Kansas.

As a youth, he enjoyed scouting and activities with the youth group of the First Christian Church. He was also responsible for helping with gardening, a task which blossomed into a lifelong passion and led him to work at a greenhouse/nursery in Wichita. Following this interest, he was encouraged to attend Kansas State University in Manhattan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science and completed graduate work in Horticulture. He possessed a wealth of plant knowledge, from which his family often benefited. He worked for a number of years at the KSU Student Union before retiring and moving back to his hometown of Garnett.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Robert (1953) and Leota (1988); and his siblings, Robert Meliza Jr. (2023), Jim Gene Meliza Sr. (1962), and Etta Marie Barndt (2020).

He is survived by his sisters, Clara Myers of Kansas City, Missouri, and Sharon Stegman of Lawrence, Kansas; his brothers, Oliver Meliza of Lawrence, and Jim Meliza, Jr. of Boise, Idaho; and his many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Garnett. Claude's family will greet friends beginning at 10:30 AM until the start of the service. Memorial contributions are suggested to Lake Mary and may be left in the care of the funeral home.

Condolences for the family can be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.