Melvin "Fro" Haydel

“The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind.” Melvin Joseph Haydel, better known as “Fro,” was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his four daughters and his son-in-law, on February 3rd, 2026, at the age of 87.

Melvin was born on November 3rd, 1938, in St. John the Baptist, Louisiana, to Joseph and Adeline Haydel. After finishing his schooling, he served our country in the United States Army overseas. He ran and worked at Ascension Roofing and Sheet Metal with his brother, Hilton Haydel.

Melvin married Linda Ringer Haydel on December 2nd, 1961. They welcomed their first daughter, Kimberly, in May of 1964. His twin daughters, Tracy and Stacy, were born in July 1966. His family became complete with the birth of his youngest daughter, Kelly, in February 1971.

Fro was a renowned expert in classic car restoration. He spent the majority of his life not only restoring cars for friends but restoring his own collection of 57 Chevy cars. He was a founding member of the Cajun Classic Chevy Club and frequently competed in the World of Wheels national car competitions, where he won national and international awards.

Melvin will be deeply missed by his daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberly Haydel Myers; Stacy and Robert Paille Jr.; Tracy and Craig Bourgeois; and Kelly and Glen Achord. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Ellen Ringer; 8 grandchildren- Stephanie (Patrick), Kayla (Brian), Clint (Brie), Bryant (Peyton), Chelsey (Chase), Kylie (Joel), Caitlyn (Joey), and Jared (Hannah); and 11 great-grandchildren- Ava, Rhyse, Aubrey, Ryker, Cayden, Oliver, Remi, Landry, Lily, Sadie, and Stetson; half-sister, Mae Battard.

Melvin was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Linda. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Adeline; his siblings; his son-in-law, John Myers; and his great-granddaughter, Aubree Nicole Hotard.

Pallbearers will be Clint Myers, Bryant Bourgeois, Jared Bourgeois, Brian Hotard, Joel Louviere, Patrick Icenogle, Chase Williams, and Joey David.

Visitation will be at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, 1022 N Burnside Ave, Gonzales, LA 70737, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 8:30 am until a service at 10:30am, celebrated by Father Matthew McCaughey. Burial will follow at Serenity Oaks Memorial Park, 15304 LA-73, Prairieville, LA 70769.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Melvin’s memory. Please consider donating to Dreams Come True of Louisiana, a wonderful organization that the Cajun Classic Chevy Car Club has sponsored since the 1990s.