Melvin A. Pavlacky

Melvin Pavlacky Killed In Mower-Car Accident Tuesday

Thon Book No. 3

Melvin A. Pavlacky, 29, of Lusk was killed Tuesday afternoon when a car driven by Richard Leroy Johnson, 19, of Luvern, Ia. crashed into the rear of a Wyoming Highway Department mower Pavlacky was operating about 31 miles north of Lusk.

Pavlacky was evidently thrown from the mower when his slow moving vehicle was hit from the rear. Then the Ford driven by Johnson apparently struck Pavlacky again as he landed on the pavement. Pavlacky's body was thrown 52 feet on the second impact. He died almost instantly. The time of the accident was set at 2:37 when Pavlacky's watch had stopped.

An inquest is being held this Wednesday afternoon but at the Herald's press time the inquest was still in progress.

According to authorities it is almost certain that a charge of involuntary manslaughter will be brought against Johnson.

Those testifying at the hearing are Patrolman M. S. Jordan, Patrolman Gene Curtis, Llyly Miles, Wyoming Highway Department employee, Johnson, Richard and Robert Kain and Archie Huey.

Attorneys Joseph Garst and Richard Maurer of Douglas are attending the inquest on behalf of Johnson's insurance company. County attorney, James Barrett is assisting in questioning the witnesses.

Richard and Robert Kain, both 19, are twins from Algona, Iowa and were riding with Johnson at the time of the accident. All three were held in the Niobrara County jail Tuesday night.

Pavlacky was going north mowing the barrow pit on the right side of the road. The Ford driven by Johnson was also going north. The speed of the Ford has not yet been set. However, the information should be determined at the inquest.

Pavlacky is survived by his wife, Dorothy, two children, Kirby, 6, and Cecil, 2, his father, Gus Pavlacky, living in Oregon, four brothers, Kenneth, Marvin, Everette and Irwin, three sisters, Mildred Pavlacky, Doris Mahnke, and Mildrek Vadavich, his mother, Mrs. Nora Chase of Lusk.

Funeral arrangements are as yet indefinite.

The Lusk Herald
September 10, 1953
Melvin Pavlacky Funeral Services Are Held Sunday

Funeral services were conducted from the chapel of Peet Mortuary Sunday aftrnoon, Sept. 6 at 2:00 o'clock for Melvin A. Pavlacky who was killed Sept. 1 in a highway accident.

The Rev. Jacob Nein, pastor of the Congregational-Christian Church, officiated at the last rites. The music was provided by five members of the Congregational Choir, who sang "Peace in the Valley," "Mansion Over the Hilltop," and "Sweet Hour of Prayer."

Melvin A. Pavlacky, son of John and Nora Pavlacky, was born Dec. 21, 1923 in Lusk. He was employed with Chicago North Western Railroad for three years and served 52 months in World War II.

On Feb. 9, 1946 he was united in marriage to Dolly Mary Munsinger, and two children were born, Kirby Lee and Cecil LeRoy.

Other survivors are his father of the state of Oregon, and his mother, Mrs. Nora Chase of Lusk; four brothers, Marvin J. of Los Angeles, Calif., Everett Charles of Santa Monica, Calif., Kenneth Wesley of Lusk, and Erwin Gene of Tacoma, Wash.; three sisters, Mrs. Myrrel Vodopich of Lead, S.D., Mrs. Clarence Kellog of Rio Linda, Calif., and Mrs. Arthur Mahnke of Lusk.

Interment was in the Lusk Cemetery.

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