Melvin Bollenbach

Melvin Wayne Bollenbach, 86, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025 of natural causes. He touched the lives of many with his character, work ethic and humor and was a mentor who provided straightforward advice on life. He was successful and respected by his peers in all his ambitions as a Navy pilot, financial advisor, rancher and horse breeder.

Melvin was born Aug. 26,1938, in Kingfisher and grew up on a farm 12 miles east of Kingfisher. He attended Big Four School where he served as class president his senior year.

He obtained a bachelor of science in geology at Oklahoma State University. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the United States Navy and served as a Naval aviator and flight instructor where he served his country for nine years.

While stationed in Rhode Island, Melvin met and married Jaqueline Germaine Shelly of Pawtucket, R.I., on Jan. 7, 1965. Jacqueline was his beloved, devoted wife and best friend until his passing.

In 1970, Melvin started his career as a financial advisor with Smith Barney, quickly establishing himself as a highly sought-after advisor in stocks & commodities.

He continued to thrive in the financial industry until his retirement in 2019 at the age of 80.

While having a successful financial advisory career, his true heart was always ranching. In 1976, he purchased two farms where he raised cattle and produced wheat, beans, corn and alfalfa, expanding the operations over the years.

His love of horses led him to the quarter horse racing industry where he became well known as one of the top breeders in the nation, producing world class performers and brood mares.

He served as a director for the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association and as a commissioner on the board of the Oklahoma Racing Commission, significantly contributing to the elevation of quarter horse racing in Oklahoma.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Clyde Bollenbach and Anna Mc-Millan; Dolly Mitchell; and his brother Merle.

He is survived by his wife Jackie; son Wayne; daughter Kim; daughterin- law Rebecca; son-in-law Lance; and his grandchildren Bryce, Gracie, Tristan, Morgan and Rhodes.

He also leaves behind a large community of cousins, friends and business associates who will forever cherish his memory.

For memorial donations the family asks you consider a gift to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Services were Tuesday, July 1, at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel, Yukon.

Online condolences may be signed at www.yandafuneral. com. Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services.