Melvin Edward Baffrey

Melvin Edward Baffrey

March 3, 1942 – August 11, 2018

Melvin Edward Baffrey was born March 10, 1942 and died peacefully in his home on Saturday, August 11, 2018. Melvin was preceded in death by his mother, Eva Juanita(Call) Baffrey and father, John Edward Baffrey. Melvin had six sisters and is preceded in death by Dolores Dabbs, Wanda Whitmire, and Jean Williams. Also preceding him are father-in-law Jack Walter and mother-in-law Thelma Walter. Melvin is survived by his wife of 50 years, Virginia Ann Baffrey, son Jason Edward Baffrey, daughter-in-law Katy Baffrey, grandchildren Erin DeAngelis, Faith Blassingame, Grace Cooper, and Jaxson Edward Baffrey as well as great-grandchildren Morgan DeAngelis and Salem Blassingame. He is also survived by sisters Bertha Young, Ruth Stevens, and Billie Ruble as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Melvin Baffrey survived more hardships and pain throughout his life than most mere mortals could handle, from being severely burned as a child, to a near fatal car wreck, to a year-long treatment for hepatitis-c. He lived a good life and always pushed the limits. He was remembered as one of Edmond’s leading hooligans, with his early hot rods sometimes being a little too fast for Edmond’s finest back in the day. He was a successful motorcycle racer in the sixties and early seventies, then raced dune buggies, cars, and was involved with tractor pulls. Melvin and his son Jason were involved in racing together from Jason’s early years, with Melvin handling the driving duties until Jason took over in their sand drag racing efforts when he was 14. Together they built their prized 1956 Ford NHRA Drag Car in the early nineties. In 2009, they won the Nostalgia class championship at Thunder Valley Raceway Park, in Noble, OK. Melvin will be best remembered for his kindness to others, an unwavering generosity, and a bit of an ornery sense of humor that often involved some tall tales.

He loved children and his pets. He also enjoyed tending to his flower garden and keeping his lawn looking good. He was a master of his trade of automotive paint and body work and painted numerous race cars, hot rods, and vintage classics. Vehicles painted by Melvin Baffrey have won numerous shows and awards and been featured in a variety of publications. He had a tremendous work ethic that he practiced for 45 years. In some 30 years of owning his own business he never advertised, yet never had a lack of work due to his stellar reputation for the highest quality of work. He often told customers that “I’ll work on it like it was my own.” And, those that knew the love and care he put into his own vehicles knew they couldn’t ask for better. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, give somebody a good deal, or help someone in need. He had but a few passions.

Cars and racing were certainly his favorite past times and conversations, but his family was always top of his list. He worked tirelessly to care for his wife and son. His life truly lit up when grandson Jaxson was born. Jaxson quickly became the apple of his eye, and it was no time at all before he was finding him the best toys, getting him cars and motorcycles to ride, and making plans for his first real car when he turned 16, even though that’s many years away. While going through grueling treatments for hepatitis-C in 2013, he often mentioned the only thing giving him the strength to carry on was the desire to see Jaxson grow. While he lived much of his life in physical pain, he was a beacon of kindness and generosity to all that knew him. His family is at peace knowing that he is no longer suffering.

Services will be at First Christian Church Edmond, OK on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. Viewing will be Monday from 2-8 p.m.