Melvin Dean McKay of Heavener was born Oct. 2, 1945 in Heavener to Joe and Grace (Dehart) McKay and passed away on Sept. 19, 2026, surrounded by family at his home in Heavener at the age of 80.
A funeral service to honor Melvin’s life is 2 p.m., Wednesday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener with Brother Joe Haydon Hall and Brother Larry Yandell officiating. Interment will follow in Heavener Memorial Park with military honors provided by Poteau DAV Chapter #63, under the direction and care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Melvin was a longtime resident of this community and proudly graduated from Heavener High School in 1963. Together with his brother, Jerold, he ran the Phillips 66 station and later worked as a lineman. Melvin finally took on the role of electrician at Fort Chaffee Military Base until he retired.
A veteran of the United States Army, Melvin served his country during the Vietnam era with honor.
Melvin and his beloved wife, Judy shared many joyful moments camping at Cedar Lake and Wister Lake. He loved to hunt, fish, and enjoyed taking his grandkids right along with him. He was an active member of the LeFlore County Bass Club and the American Legion. Melvin cherished his time spent with family, delighting in the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He especially looked forward to meeting Jerold at the Hontubby store for friendly chats over coffee. Melvin’s presence will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
Survivors are his wife, Judy McKay, of the home; two daughters Kim Rice and husband Jeremy of Bates, Arkansas, and Lori Hall and husband Russell of Howe; one brother Jerold McKay and wife Wanetta of Poteau; four grandchildren Courtney Shipman, Grant Rice, Haydon Hall and Garris Rice; one great-granddaughter, Baylor Shipman; one great-grandson on the way; numerous other loved ones and friends that loved him dearly.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Grace (Dehart) McKay
Pallbearers are Russell Hall, Jeremy Rice, Grant Rice, Haydon Hall, Garris Rice and Ben Shipman.
Viewing is from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.
To sign Melvin’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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