Eric A. Gaines, age 24 of Kenosha, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Froedtert Hospital and Medical College in Milwaukee with his family by his side.

Born in Waukegan, IL on August 1, 1995, he was the son of Leviticus Houston and LaTricia (Platt) McKelvy. Eric was a 2013 graduate of Indian Trail High School and attended Lone Star College.

Eric was employed with Planet Fitness as a Customer Service Associate.

Eric, known to many by “Armael” or “Mello” would be described in one of two ways “chill” or “laid back”. He is a deep thinker, very thoughtful and conscious of the things he says or does. Eric is very intelligent, uplifting, motivational, spiritual, humble and loving. He loved to write music, especially rap and would perform under the stage name of Mellodramatic along with his long-time friend D-Tray at Hattrix in Kenosha amongst other places.

In his free time when he’s not writing or performing, he likes to read, spend time with family and friends, box and work out. He enjoyed watching basketball games, MMA/UFC and boxing. His favorite football team is the Chicago Bears and basketball if he has to choose is da’Bulls.

He is survived by his parents, his sisters, Gloria (Brandon) Sampson, Ericka Johnson; his brother, Ronny Murry; his aunts; Chanelle Ely, LaSherry (Patrick) Kibble; his grandmothers, Gloria Jean Platt and Vera Jean Jackson; and a host of other family members.

Service Info

A Memorial Service honoring Eric’s life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the Piasecki Funeral Home, 3720 39th Avenue.  A gathering of relative and friends will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to the family would be appreciated.