Melvin Karl Pankey

Melvin Karl Pankey passed away peacefully in the Presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 4, 2025, at the age of 83, in San Antonio, Texas. He was surrounded by his loving family members.

Melvin was born on September 26, 1941, in Lake City, Iowa. He was blessed to grow up in a loving, Christian home in Morning Sun, Iowa. He graduated from Morning Sun High School and earned his BBA and MA Degrees in accounting at the University of Iowa. Mel then moved to Houston, Texas, to begin his Professional career, where he joined the CPA Firm of Arthur Young & Co. After ten years there, Mel went to work for three clients who formed The WEDGE Group, an Investment Company, where he worked in various capacities for twelve years.

Melvin and Sue then decided to sell their Houston home, thinking they would like to find a business that a CPA and Interior Designer could operate successfully together. Within two weeks of their sale, they found a business to acquire; so they purchased two Wallpapers to Go retail stores in San Antonio and moved here on Labor Day of 1988.

After building the stores into a successful business, they were ready to retire to another passion of theirs – traveling the world and volunteering at their local church and on the Mission Fields in Guatemala and Ghana, West Africa. In 2000, they sold the store to a lovely couple who joined their Friends’ family and continues today, even though he now lives in Franklin, TN.

Christian Faith and Activities were always at the center of Mel’s life, bringing him much Joy and Contentment. As a member of the Presbyterian Church for the first 50 years of his life and Trinity Baptist Church for the remaining years, Mel began teaching Sunday School while in High School and taught 5th thru 10th grades at various times. He also served as an Adult leader of the High School youth fellowship, college students and young singles. Served on and was Chairperson of various committees, including Elder, Trustee, Life Deacon, Personnel and Pastor Search Committee, and Clerk of Session, and Interim Business Administrator (3 times) . . . and so much more, including lovingly known as “Mr. Mel” by the kids at Trinity Baptist Church!

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Lucille Pankey. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Sue Pankey; son, Damon and wife, Heather; grandson, Finn; stepson, Carl; and 12 honorary grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Russell, Eugene, and Leroy, and one sister, Jane Ann; along with numerous extended family members and a lifetime of friends.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Trinity Baptist Church, 319 E. Mulberry Avenue, San Antonio, Texas.