Melvin Richard Aloway

Melvin “Mel” Richard Aloway, 90, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026. He was born on November 30, 1935, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Charlie and Vida Aloway.

Mel graduated from Shawnee High School in 1953 and, following graduation, proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years. Throughout his life, he built a respected career in construction, teaching, and estimating. He owned his own construction company, later served as Department Head for Construction Technology at OSU Institute of Technology, and also worked as an estimator for Boeing.

Mel was deeply involved in his community through his service with the Lions Club and enjoyed the friendships and fellowship it brought into his life. He also cherished time spent enjoying lake life at Lake Eufaula and relaxing along the beaches of Galveston, places that brought him peace and happiness throughout the years.

Above all, Mel was a devoted family man. He shared over 70 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jo. Together they built a life centered on hard work, love, and family.

Mel is survived by his daughter, Tonya Reeder of Livingston, Tennessee; son Keith Aloway and wife Nancy of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and son Steven Aloway and wife Cindy of Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Twyla Whited and husband Billy of Monroe, Tennessee; Brandon Wood and wife Pam of Monroe, Tennessee; Ben Reeder of Monroe, Tennessee; Adam Aloway and wife Nicole of Shawnee, Oklahoma; Lisa Aloway of Shawnee, Oklahoma; James Aloway of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Austin Aloway of Littleton, Colorado; and Jace Aloway and wife Hannah of Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

He is further survived by 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Mel is survived by his sisters, Pat Gaddert and Janet Brooks, and his brother, Jimmy Aloway. He deeply loved his extended family of nieces and nephews, who brought him much joy throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Vida Aloway; his wife, Jo Aloway; his sisters, Lil Hale Peltier, Charlene Means, Betty Cato, and Billy Jo Kemp; and his nephews Chuck Sweeden, Britt Sweeden, Greg Burnett, Glenn Kemp, and Richard Kemp.

Mel will be remembered for his strong work ethic, dedication to education and construction, love for his family, and the kindness and wisdom he shared with those around him. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the family he loved so dearly.