Melvin Bollenbach passed away on June 26 of natural cause at the age of 86.

© OQHRA

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK–JUNE 29, 2025–Melvin Wayne Bollenbach, 86, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, of natural causes. A man of character, conviction, and integrity, Melvin touched the lives of many with his work ethic, humor, and unwavering mentorship. His life was defined by determination and a deep-rooted passion for excellence—whether in the cockpit of a Navy aircraft, the financial markets, or the pastures of his family farm.

Melvin was born August 26, 1938, in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, and grew up on a farm 12 miles east of town. His earliest memories with horses began there, when his father bought a Shetland pony named Sugar for him and his brother.

As Mel grew older, one of their mares had a half-Thoroughbred foal, which his father gave to him. He named her Pee Wee. Mel broke other horses to ride for neighbors and family, but Pee Wee remained his heart horse. When it came time for college, Mel’s father asked him to sell Pee Wee to help pay tuition. Mel did what was needed, but he never quite forgave his father for that loss.

He attended Big 4 School, serving as Class President during his senior year, and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Oklahoma State University. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Navy and served as a naval aviator and flight instructor for nine years. His experience landing jets on aircraft carriers in difficult conditions gave him the mindset that his only limitations were mental, once saying, “my frame of mind was my only limitation.”

While stationed at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, Mel met Jacqueline Germaine Shelly of Pawtucket. Jackie, intrigued more by the fact that Mel was from “out west” than by his rank, famously asked, “Do you have a horse?” That question began a partnership of nearly 60 years, grounded in love, integrity, and shared values. The two were married on January 7, 1965. Jackie earned her degree in Accounting from Central State University, and together, they built a life devoted to family, hard work, and horses.

In 1970, Melvin began his career in finance with Smith Barney, quickly establishing himself as a sought-after advisor in stocks and commodities. He continued to thrive in the financial industry until retiring in 2019 at the age of 80. Yet, despite his financial success, Mel’s true passion remained with ranching. In 1976, he purchased two farms where he raised cattle and produced wheat, beans, corn, and alfalfa, expanding operations over the years.

That same year, a client and friend encouraged Mel to consider the Quarter Horse racing industry and offered to attend a dispersal sale by Nolan Pevehouse. The next day, the friend called and told Mel he had purchased two horses—one of them a race prospect named Fast Misty. That moment marked the Bollenbachs’ official entry into racing, a journey that would leave a lasting impact on the industry.

Early success stemmed from the mare A Special Smith, who is the dam of several notable horses, including Bully Bonds, A Special Bully, Wallstreet Darlin, Barneys Special, Sassy Smith, and Miss Stocks And Bonds. This lineage produced Azoom Babe, who was the producer of Valiant Rogue—a horse Mel was especially proud of.

Azoom Babe also gave birth to Corona Ranger, establishing her as a millionaire producer. Another standout from the breeding program is Krash Cartel, who is out of Race Valentine, a mare by Strawfly Special. Krash Cartel has become a leading sire in Mexico, helping to carry the Bollenbach name across borders.

Mel and Jackie also held syndicate shares in some of the most iconic stallions in modern Quarter Horse history, including Corona Cartel, Valiant Hero, Azoom, Mr Jess Perry, Wave Carver, and Teller Cartel. Their sharp eye and steady hand helped shape bloodlines and breeding programs across the country.

Mel once reflected, “We’ve had many highs and lows with our racehorses, but winning a race keeps you going through the bad times. If you don’t have a lottery ticket, you have no chance of winning. I hope I have yet to see my biggest accomplishment; however, producing Valiant Rogue out of Azoom Babe, who is out of Miss Stocks And Bonds, our homegrown stock was pretty good.”

Melvin served as a director for the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association and as a commissioner on the board of the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission. In 2020, Mel and Jackie Bollenbach were inducted into the OQHRA Hall of Fame, recognizing their lasting contributions as breeders, owners, and advocates of integrity.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Bollenbach and Anna McMillan; stepmother Dolly Mitchell; and his brother Merle. He is survived by his beloved wife Jackie; son Wayne and daughter-in-law Rebecca; daughter Kim and son-in-law Lance; and grandchildren Bryce, Gracie, Tristan, Morgan, and Rhodes. He also leaves behind a large community of cousins, friends, and colleagues who will continue to cherish his memory.

Though Mel often joked that he and Jackie had been “put to pasture,” the horses he bred and values he lived by continue to run strong.

Melvin’s life will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel in Yukon, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.