February 12, 1935 - March 11, 2025
Melvin Eugene Haining, lovingly known as “Sweet Mel,” was born on Feb 12, 1935 in Agra, Kansas, to Alvin and Mary Ellen Haining. The light of his big, loving heart went out as he passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 11, 2025, in Lodi, California.
In 1940, Mel moved with his family to Prescott, Arizona, where he attended grade school before relocating to Phoenix in 1947. It was there that he developed a passion for baking alongside his mother. He attended Arizona Academy for high school, where he worked in the bakery and met his high school sweetheart, Carole Ann Carlson. They married in 1952 and built a life together, sharing a love for horses and farming.
Mel pursued a career in construction, starting with Whitman Construction in Phoenix. His natural talent for mastering heavy equipment quickly made him the go-to operator for new machinery. He was the first to operate the largest crane in North America when it arrived in Phoenix, an experience he likened to receiving a Christmas gift. In 1967, he founded American General Contracting and later partnered with a family friend to build several golf courses in Arizona, including Scottsdale Country Club and Papago Golf course.
In 1989, Mel moved to Lodi to be closer to family. He worked alongside his son Rick in construction while continuing his love for horseback riding. In 1990, he met Vera Benson, and despite neither seeking commitment, they married in August of 1990 and shared 34 wonderful years together.
Mel’s love for baking led him to open Sweet Mel’s Bakery in Lodi in 2010. His pies became famous, drawing customers from across the country. Even after selling the bakery in 2023, his passion for baking endured as he collaborated with Frosted Flour and dreamed of new culinary ventures, including a hot dog stand and a food truck.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bud Haining, and son Larry Eugene Haining. He is survived by his wife Vera; sister Shirley Haining Spears; children Debbie Fessler (Jerry) and Rick Haining (Linda Frater); daughter -in-law Denise Haining; step-sons Clint and Robbie Benson; grandchildren Keri Gatling (Jason), Tyler Haining, Kelli DeBooy (Jon) and Tausha Rempfer (Matt); and great-grandchildren Noah Gatling 18, Madi Gatling 15, Frank Rempfer 15, Brayden DeBooy 13, Bennett DeBooy 11, Blakely DeBooy 9, Bowen DeBooy 7, Cooper Gatling 4.
Mel loved his family beyond measure. He enjoyed listening to then sing or play their instruments, and watching them play sports. He loved going to Arizona to get some “real Mexican food”. He would always want to stop at every bakery when he was on a road trip. He was an avid student of the Bible and loved to share Jesus with anyone that would listen and even some that wouldn’t.
His son Rick said “Dad always said put in 100% and you’ll get 100% back.” His daughter Debbie said “ Whenever I would cook or bake and dad would come over he would taste and taste again and then say “ this is not bad but you could kick it up a notch.”
Mel’s warmth, generosity, and love for family and friends will be deeply missed but forever cherished.
SERVICE
A celebration of Mel’s life will be held on Sunday, May 4th, at 10:30 a.m. at English Oaks Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s hospital or Maranatha.org
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Haining family.