Mel Kay lived a life built around family, hard work, generosity, faith, and an extraordinary ability to make people feel like they belonged. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, businessman, and lifelong Dodgers fan. To the many people lucky enough to know him, Mel was someone whose presence left a lasting mark.

Family was at the center of Mel’s life. One of 11 children, he grew up knowing that family meant showing up for one another, working hard, sharing what you had, and always making room for one more. Those values remained with him throughout his life and became part of the family he and his wife, Marie, built together.

That same spirit carried into Mel’s professional life. Together, Mel and Marie built Golden State Fence, laying the foundation for what would eventually become Fenceworks. What began with the two of them, a lot of hard work, determination, and more than a few long days, grew over the years into a successful and respected business and an important part of their family’s story.

But for Mel, the story was never only about fences or business. It was about people.

Mel considered the employees of Fenceworks his other family. He took enormous pride in the people who worked alongside him and in the friendships, loyalty, and relationships that grew through the years. The company was one of his great accomplishments, but the community of people surrounding it was an even greater source of pride.

At the foundation of the way Mel lived was his strong Christian faith and his relationship with God. His faith shaped his values, his work ethic, his generosity, and his desire to serve others. He often credited God’s grace for the blessings in his life and believed that God had a purpose for him. As he grew older, he became increasingly open about sharing his faith and the hope he found in salvation through Jesus Christ.

He sought to live by a simple principle he often shared with his family: “Do your best for God and man. Put those first and in that order, and you’ll never be disappointed.”

That belief was reflected in the way Mel gave to others. His success gave Mel and Marie the opportunity to give back, and he had an especially big heart for children, supporting causes that gave kids opportunities, care, and brighter futures. His generosity wasn’t about recognition; it was simply part of who he was.

Mel leaves behind a remarkable legacy—not only in the family he loved so deeply or the business he and Marie built, but in the countless people whose lives crossed his. He showed by example the importance of working hard, taking care of your people, giving back, loving your family, and trusting in God.

The words of Deuteronomy 31:6 reflect the strength and assurance that guided Mel throughout his life and now offer comfort to those who loved him: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Mel Kay Sr. and Dena Virginia Kay; his dearly missed siblings, Larry Kay, Gary Kay, William Kay, Dennis Kay, Jerry Kay, and Melba Kay; and his precious granddaughter, Abby Marie. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marie; his loving children, Brent, Kelly, Shelly, Suzy, and Becky; daughterin-law Julia Kay; and sons-in-law Mike McLaughlin, Randy Cobb, and Garry Jackson. 

His cherished grandchildren are Brianne, Madison, Alex, Hannah, Justin, Beth, William, Elisabeth, Michael, Trevor, Rebekah, Timothy, Andrew, Wesley, Frankie, Ruby, Aubrey, Charlie, Malcolm, Quincy, Lennon, and Monroe. 

His treasured great-grandchildren are David, Michael, Oliver, Henry, Knox, Bennett, Russell, Clarke, Posey, Max, Maggie, Hank, Leo, Dahlia, Rowen, Adalee, Elowynn, Meradin, Amaryn, and Fern, with two more on the way. 

Mel also leaves behind his dear siblings, Shirey Price, Barbara Pettit, Janis Butler, and Kathy Gerard. 

He will be missed beyond measure by his family, his Fenceworks family, and the many friends and people whose lives are better because Mel was part of them. 

And because some loyalties truly do last forever, Mel’s love for the Los Angeles Dodgers deserves a place in his story too. In his honor, family and friends attending his service are invited to wear Dodgers blue—a fitting tribute to a man who knew a thing or two about loyalty. Mel’s life was full. His family was big. His impact was bigger. And he was deeply, deeply loved.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to England Family Mortuary, Inc.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Haiti Endowment Fund. Donate Here