Melvin M Kenoly, Sr.
(December 25, 1916 – August 13, 2006)

Melvin Merrel Kenoly, Sr., was born December 25, 1916, in Neodesha, Kansas.  His parents, Alonzo and Safronia Kenoly, raised all of their six children on the family farm.  Melvin was the youngest of  three boys and three girls.  After graduating from Neodesha High School, Melvin attended Independence Jr. College, where he met and married his beloved wife, Jeannette Wyatt in 1939.

In 1943, Melvin moved his family to Stockton, CA, to work in the shipyards.  He traveled to Stockton with other close friends and family that included the Andrew Norman and Luther Miller families.  The Kenolys, Normans and Millers were all neighbors in Kansas, and that continued once settled in California.

After employment in the shipyard, Melvin worked in many capacities before retiring from Tillie Lewis Foods, Inc. in 1981.

After retiring, Melvin started Mel’s Maintenance Service and continued working for a few more years.  After permanently retiring, Melvin and Jeannette would make their yearly summer trip back to Kansas and just enjoyed life.  

Melvin was baptized at an early age.  His family was known throughout Kansas for their singing at various churches.  Melvin had a beautiful singing voice and on rare occasions would sing publicly.  You could always hear him singing around the house or outside while he tended his yard.  And he showed off his singing ability by serenading his wife at their 50^th wedding anniversary celebration.

Melvin was very religious and loved the Lord and always made sure his children were involved in church activities.  While living in Stockton, Melvin helped in the building of Second Baptist Church at the present site on which it stands.  He rededicated his life to the Lord later in life and became a member of Second Baptist Church. While at Second Baptist he served for a period as Church Treasurer.

Melvin was married to Jeannette Wyatt for 53 years.  After her passing in 1992, Melvin left Stockton and spent his final years in Vallejo, CA, with his eldest son Melvin Jr.  He will always be known as a quiet and gentle man, who loved his family and friends, and was always willing to help neighbors and others in need.

Melvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jeannette, and a dear daughter Sharon.  He is survived by his children:  Melvin, Jr., (Anita) of Vallejo, CA; Wyatt (Kathy) of Stockton, CA, Deanna Kenoly Allen of Plumas Lake, CA; Berril of Los Angeles, CA; Esther of Plumas Lake, CA; 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.  Also, sister-in-law Lula Wyatt Sims of Alton, IL; three nieces; dear friend Luther Miller, and a host of family and friends. 

Visitation: Held Monday, August 21, 2006 from 3pm-7pm at Thompson Memorial Chapel 2118 E. Lafayette St. Stockton, California.

Services: Held Tuesday, August 22, 2006 11:00am at Second Baptist Church 2350 E Market St. Stockton, California.

Internment: Stockton Rural Cemetery 2350 Cemetery Ln. Stockton, California.

Edith Odessa Kenoly passed away from cardiac arrest at 3:45am on Thursday July 20, 2006. Edith celebrated her 86th birthday on July 10, 2006. She is survived by sons Wendel, Ron, Joshua, Mark, Craig, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Card and letters may be sent to:

 Mark Kenoly
C/o Jubilee Christian Center
175 Nortech Parkway
San Jose, CA. 95234

May God continue to bless this family and keep them in His grace.

EBONYFLY.COM

ebonyfly.com is an online community of avid readers of African-American literature. Their members come to their site to discuss novels and various other topics, meet new people, and exchange ideas. Their goal is to expose their readers to new and exciting authors each week, through their weekly sales.

Throughout history, African Americans have invented some important and fun devices. Read about ten examples of men and women and see what they invented.Think about what kind of obstacles they may have faced, personally and professionally.

Source: CardRatings.com

When was the last time you heard about a new and improved credit card? Probably the last time you watched television. When was the last time you received an offer to apply for a new credit card? Most likely the last time you checked the mail. These days, the competitiveness of card companies works in favor of consumers, who benefit from the ever-increasing incentive plans offered.