He is survived by:
His wife:
Judy McKay of the home
Two daughters:
Kim Rice and husband Jeremy of Bates, Arkansas
Lori Hall and husband Russell of Howe, Oklahoma
One brother:
Jerold McKay and wife Wanetta of Poteau, Oklahoma
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 a host of friends that loved him dearly.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Grace (Dehart) McKay
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 Ft. 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.
A funeral service to honor Melvin’s life will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener, Oklahoma 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, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be: Russell Hall, Jeremy Rice, Grant Rice, Haydon Hall, Garris Rice, and Ben Shipman
Viewing will be from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday and 9:00 a.m. until service time, Wednesday at the funeral home.
To sign Melvin’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com
Get Local News!
