Melvin Moss
Melvin Boyce Moss, Jr., passed away peacefully at home on May 16, 2025, at the age of 73. He was born on December 23, 1951, in Cairo, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Moss, and his brothers, Michael, Thomas and Joseph Moss.
Melvin is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Joan. He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Mary Lynn Brandshaw of Boonville, Missouri; his children, Jeffrey (Whitney) Moss of Sheridan, Arkansas, Kelly (Nick) Zigaitis and Jill (Jeffrey) Hall, both of Chesterfield, Missouri; and his grandchildren, Dax Moss, Lillian Zigaitis, Allison Zigaitis, Will Hall, and Alex Hall.
Known to many as Kim or Papa, Melvin had a generous spirit and a sharp wit. He loved fishing, playing golf, cheering on Mizzou basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals, and holding a good hand in a game of cards. He made fast friends just about everywhere and was known for leaving good tips and telling even better jokes (though often just outside the earshot of his daughters and granddaughters).
Melvin spent 37 years at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Missouri, building lifelong friendships and serving his community with dedication. He coached youth sports, served with the Knights of Columbus, and was a regular presence at school plays, sporting events, and graduations within the Sikeston Public Schools where his children attended.
He had a steady hand in a crisis and a soft heart when it mattered most. He rarely got too upset when his kids made mistakes, and he never passed up a game of Go Fish, a round of CandyLand, or a pretend meal of plastic food with his grandchildren.
Above all, Melvin loved Joanie. Their marriage was a testament to true partnership—through every season of life. He taught by example what it means to love fully, forgive freely, and show up every day.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on June 2, 2025, at Ascension Catholic Church’s chapel, the Little Church, in Chesterfield, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the SEMO Food Bank (https://semofoodbank.org/) or Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/).
A childhood friend. Rest in peace, Kim.
Together from first grade on…
Together we were always up to nefarious projects, usually not getting caught.
So sorry for the Family, I know he was dedicated to Joan.
So sorry to hear this. Prayers to family.
Melvin-Kim as many knew him-was a full throated and vigorous Friend.
No shirking, corner holding man, he was fully ‘into’ whatever was going on.
In Grade School, we always found Kim IN THE CENTER whether in the Classroom or on the Playground hurling Basketballs in Knockout, later Acing us in Snooker shooting behind the Back, or ‘somehow’ finding that Full House when we all had 3 of a Kind!
Monopoly?
He invented every-winning-Strategy.
And we all knew, no matter the challenge, Kim was the Most Valuable Partner to have.
We chose Kim First!
A Most Valuable Friend.
Thanks for being my Friend, Kim.
I got to know Kim and Joan many years ago while working in radiology at Missouri Delta Medical Center. He was kind to patients , knew his job well, fun to work with and well respected by all staff. Such a nice fellow. So very sorry, Joan, Jeff, Kelly and Jill and family.
I met Kim years ago at Missouri Delta Medical Center we become dear friends, playing softball and golf. My prayers go out to Joan and the kids so sorry for your loss. May God be with you guys
Loved him like a brother. There was not a better sound than his shrill laughter after he took your money at a game cards. Into paradise may the angels lead him.
Kimmy—a St. Joe buddy in my class. I remember him as a great guy who always had a smile and a nice laugh. Everybody liked him.
That was a wonderful obituary. It sounds like he grew into a man with all good qualities that we all should strive for. May he rest in peace.
Debbie Cerny Spomer
I am so sorry to hear this. Great friend. My deepest sympathies to the family . Another Class of 69 getting angel wings .🙏
Such a fun kid, prayers and condolences to his wife and family and all who had the privilege of knowing him Sharon
Very sorry to learn of Kimmy’s passing. Although we were two classes apart, I remember Kimmy as a pretty nice guy. He was always calm but easy to share a laugh and enjoy a good joke. Growing up in a small community like Cairo most everybody knew everybody. Prayers for the family! 🙏
Moss and I worked together in Radiology for many year’s. We became best friends to one another. He was like a big brother to me. We would poke fun at each and bicker all the time. We had so fun when around each other. I will always remember, miss, and love you Mossy.
Kim was legendary. Well written obituary and great reflection of Kim. So sorry for your loss. Please know we feel blessed to have known him.
Love – Andy, Amy, Grant, and Owen Beussink
Kimmy was a good friend to me. He was always happy and could always make someone laugh. He was so easy to talk to and everyone loved him. My sympathies to his family. 🙏
I went to St Joe with Kimmy. He was a sweet soul. Also knew his brothers & his sister. Rest in peace Kimmy. Prayers for the family.
Chari Bourland Willis.
Steve Willis
I went to St Joe with Kimmy. He was a sweet soul. Also knew his brothers & his sister. Rest in peace Kimmy. Prayers for the family.
Chari Bourland Willis.
Steve Willis