Melvin Eddy

Melvin Eddy was born in Kansas City, Kansas on Mar 29, 1941 to Isiah Eddy and Johnnie Mae (Washington) Eddy. He grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Sumner High School in 1959, working various jobs before joining the Bendix Corp in 1963 as a maintenance worker. He enrolled in a series of advanced training courses and apprenticeships, obtained many certifications in the process, and ultimately attained the position of Vendor Contact Field Rep in quality assurance. He relocated to the West Coast as the company evolved to Allied Signal and then Honeywell, retiring after 40 years.

During his years in Kansas, Melvin played semi-pro football and toured the Midwest as a receiver with the Kansas City Steers team. After moving to California, he spent his free time coaching his kids’ sports teams as well as coaching the company’s after-hour teams. His interest in music led him to join the Southern California Blues Society where he met his wife. He went on to serve as the president of the Blues Society. In 1991, he started a blues band along with Yuki Kojima, who Melvin saw as his “brother from another mother.” The band performed in local clubs, festivals, and other venues.

Melvin was an active member of the Malibu United Methodist Church for over 20 years. He was a mainstay of the choir, served on committees and volunteer activities, and received the "Loaves and Fishes" Award in 2007 for his service.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years Kathryn Alesandrini, Agoura Hills, California. He was also survived by six children including Alcenia JoVonne Shields (Kenney), Shawnee, Kansas; Melvin Eddy II, “Bam”(now deceased); Melanie Janae Brodnax (Marc), Los Angeles; Phil Eddy, Las Vegas, Nevada; Teresa Murdock (James), Carson, California; and Alexander Eddy, Agoura Hills. Honorary daughter Chiquita Tillman and honorary son Luke Humphreys along with many others who he mentored also survive him. There are 11 surviving grandchildren including Jayla Shields, Kenney “KJ” Shields, Jayona Shields, Kourtney Brodnax, Christian Brodnax, Melvanah Eddy, Jabari Murdock, Phil Eddy Jr, Ebony Branch, Chastity Rodriguez, Felicity Eddy; and 6 great grandchildren including Aubree Sauls, Licia Eddy, Karter Eddy, Khailah Eddy, Sofia Rodriguez, and Dominic Rodriguez. Melvin came from a large family and was survived by six siblings: Edward Eddy (now deceased), Janice Fay Allen (Gene), Joyce Chandler (Lowell), Priscilla Bradley, Esther Latham (Ira), and Johnnie Eddy (Yolanda). He was preceded in death by 7 siblings including Isiah Eddy, Lillie Mae Warfield, Virgie Lee Edwards, Darnell Joe Sr., Robert Eddy, Alice Woodson, and Isiah ‘Junior’ Eddy.

Melvin Eddy was called Home peacefully on Sept 12th in the afternoon from the family home. He will be remembered for his smile, jovial personality, big heart, athletic prowess, singing talent in blues and gospel, and the extraordinary caring and love he showed to others.