Melvin Lee McKandes

GOD sent his majestic angels for Melvin McKandes Sr. who passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at the age of 82 while vacationing in Florida. He passed doing what he loved, travelling. Melvin was born on July 10, 1931 in Jackson, MS to Robert Lee and Ethel McKandes. He moved to Saginaw as a young boy and attended Saginaw Public Schools. He was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War. He was a retiree from General Motors (Central Foundry Malleable Iron). He married Audrey Archer on October 11, 1973 with whom he shared many happy years and unconditional love. His hobbies were travelling, reading horoscope books, playing cards, taking pictures, and sports. He was an avid photographer and sports fan. “If you needed a picture, just call Melvin because he probably had one in his collection”. Melvin was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Korean War Veterans Association (national and local #251), and UAW Local 455. Melvin will be missed by all those whose lives he touched with his smile and sharing of the many pictures he took over the years. He will be missed by his “Old Timers Breakfast Buddies”. Besides his faithful, caring, and devoted wife, Audrey, he leaves to cherish his memory, children, Melvin (Bessie) McKandes, Jr., Kevin and Michael Jordan, Craig (Kristi) McKandes (Oconomowoc, WI), Jimeka McKandes (Peoria, IL), Kenya Bady (Houston, TX), Markisha Goodman, and Gloria Ross (whom he raised as his own; Peoria, IL). He will be missed by his siblings, Robert H. McKandes (Dorothy), Bobbie McKandes, (Washington, D.C.), Delores McNair, and Clifton Brooks, who all loved him. He also leaves behind grandsons, Darrio McKandes, Darryl Williams (Detroit, MI), Brandon McKandes (Oconomowoc, WI), Noah Bady (Houston, TX), Amarrion Morris and Gary Richardson (Peoria, IL); granddaughters Nicole McKandes (US Navy, Virginia), Yolanda Williams-Jackson (Flint, MI); great-granddaughters, Nalisa Sharper (Virginia) and Darrriana McKandes (Las Vegas), and special great- grandsons, Camryn Lee McKandes and Curtis L. Gibson (Virginia) or “Papa’s Boys” as he called them; this also includes god-daughter, Amanda Newson Daniel who he mentored and loved and many more members of his extended family who loved him dearly. He will also be greatly missed by his special cousin, Billy (Annie) Jordan who was more like a brother than a cousin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ethel, daughter, Berlene (Dee Dee)McKandes; siblings, John McKandes, Roland Austin, and Ruby Austin. He will be dearly missed by his devoted wife because he was the “Wind Beneath Her Wings”. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 5, 2013 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 810 Cathay Street, with the funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Otis Dickens will officiate with interment in Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, on Sunday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Melvin Lee McKandes

July 10, 1931 - July 20, 2013