Kenneth Joseph Melotte

Kenneth Joseph Melotte, 92, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, passed away on December 29, 2025. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Ken lived a life full of love, laughter, and service to others.

Ken served in the Navy and then dedicated 30 years of his career to the Federal Aviation Administration before retiring. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan Melotte; his brothers Don, Dave, and Jack Melotte; and his sister Janice Hansen. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Melotte; his sister Ginger Marcks (Gaylord); his six children, Susan Shoemaker (Larry), Paul Melotte (Sissy), Michelle Panik (Joe), Ken Melotte (Diana), Peter Melotte (T), and Jennifer McAskin (Chris); as well as 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Ken gave generously of his time to charities and organizations, including the Lion’s Club, Knights of Columbus, and Mobile Meals. Known as the life of the party, Ken had a gift for making people laugh and often kept friends and family up late with his stories and humor. He was an avid reader and a formidable Trivial Pursuit player—unless the questions were about music! Ken loved golf and often rose before dawn to play nine holes before work. More than anything, he cherished his family. His 90th birthday celebration drew nearly 100 guests, only limited by space, a testament to the love and friendships he cultivated throughout his life.

Ken’s legacy is one of devotion to family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 290 E. Main Street, Spartanburg. Friends are invited to gather for refreshments after the mass as we remember and celebrate Kenneth Melotte.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests contributions in memory of Ken be made to Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, 419 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302.