Frankie Gene Melton passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, at the age of 87.

Frank was born on April 1, 1939, to Lee and Dora Melton in Mountain Grove, Missouri. The youngest of nine children, he grew up on a small farm outside of town alongside his siblings Kay, Lenora ("Tommy"), Helen, Bill, Phyllis, Wayne, Joan, and Shirley. As the youngest and last child still at home, he worked the family farm before and after school each day, helping his parents however he could. Those early mornings and long days shaped the work ethic that defined him throughout his life.

He graduated from Cabool High School in 1957, where he participated in track and field and set a school record that earned him a commemorative plaque displayed at the school for many years.

After graduation, Frank enlisted in the United States Navy, serving four years on active duty followed by two years in the Naval Reserve. Attached to a fighter squadron aboard the USS Midway, he worked as an aircraft electrician. One thing he always treasured from that time was that his mother wrote him a letter every day while he was away. When his service ended in California, he chose to hitchhike home to Missouri along Route 66 rather than take the bus—an adventure he loved to share that never failed to get a laugh.

In 2018, after being nominated by his son, Scott, Frank participated in an Military Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in recognition of his military service. The following year, Scott and Frank traveled together to San Diego to tour the USS Midway, giving Frank the opportunity to once again walk the same ship where he had served nearly sixty years earlier.

After returning home from the Navy, Frank settled in the Kansas City area and became a licensed electrician. He spent more than sixty years as a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, helping build some of Kansas City’s well known landmarks. He never hesitated to travel wherever work was available, especially when times were tough. Frank was known for showing up to work with his Playmate cooler and two Stanley thermoses of Folgers coffee, all packed neatly in a plastic milk crate. He was known for his lunchtime power nap.

In 1978, he met Carolyn, who quickly became the love of his life. They married in 1983 and built a wonderful life together in Liberty, Missouri, sharing more than forty years of marriage. During their marriage, Frank and Carolyn loved dancing, attending Elvis tribute shows and concerts, and going to car shows. Frank enjoyed buying and selling cars and owned many unique vehicles over the years. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping. Some of his favorite hunting memories were with Scott. More than once they returned home empty-handed, not because they hadn't seen any deer, but because they had spent the day simply watching and appreciating the deer and the other wildlife together. The family also created many treasured memories camping, boating and water skiing at Lake Viking.

Together, Frank and Carolyn built a successful real estate business, rehabbing and renting single family homes. Frank’s workday rarely ended when he left his electrician job. Gifted with his hands, he could build or fix just about anything and spent countless evenings, weekends, and retirement years maintaining and renovating their properties. They became known as fair, honest landlords who formed lasting friendships with many of their long-term tenants.

Retirement gave Frank and Carolyn the opportunity to enjoy one of their greatest adventures together through the Airstream community. They traveled the country to annual rallies in caravans of motorhomes, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. Frank proudly served as president of their local Airstream club. Anyone who attended those rallies with him knew his favorite introduction. He would shake the husband's hand and jokingly say, "I'm not going to shake your wife's hand," before giving her a warm hug instead. It was one of his many playful traditions that became part of who he was.

Anyone who knew Frank knew he had a mischievous sense of humor and knew a seemingly endless amount of jokes. Beneath that playful personality was an incredibly generous man. If someone was stranded on the side of the road, Frank stopped. If something needed fixing, he showed up with his tools. Whether it was family, friends, neighbors, tenants, or someone he had just met, he never hesitated to help. He quietly looked after countless people over the years, who became family through his kindness. Helping people wasn't something he talked about—it was simply who he was.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Dora Melton; all of his siblings; and his sister-in-law, Maxine Finks, who passed away four months before him. Maxine was a special part of Frank and Carolyn’s lives, living with them for nearly ten years and sharing many adventures, including trips to Sun City West and Airstream events.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Melton; the mother of his children, Patricia, his children, Kim and Scott; his stepson, Randy; his grandchildren, Victoria, Madison, and Morgan; and his favorite dog, Buddy; who shared a special place in their home and hearts. Frank also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, lifelong friends, neighbors, tenants, and all those whose lives were touched by his generosity.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 p.m., followed by funeral services from 2:00–3:00 p.m., with the graveside service to follow. All services will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 801 NW 108th St., Kansas City, MO 64155. The funeral ceremony will be live streamed and recorded at the following link > https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=76b963d2-d1d5-42d6-84d4-09a782321473

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Kansas City Hospice in honor of Frank. Their compassionate care meant so much to Frank and the family during his final time. The family also encourages everyone to honor Frank's memory by working hard, lending a hand whenever someone needs it, and never passing up an opportunity to share a laugh