Obituary: Wilson Jules ‘Mel’ Melancon Jr.

Wilson Jules “Mel” Melancon Jr., age 77, of Oak Ridge, passed away Dec. 15, 2013, at the Methodist Medical Center.

He was born in Houma, La., on Feb. 14, 1936.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson Jules Melancon Sr. and Laura Augusta Rodrigue, and siblings, Jennie (Hattie) Lombas, Helen (Flo) Christensen, Laura Mae Lombas, Berkley Joseph Melancon, Curtis Paul Melancon Sr., Raymond Charles Melancon Sr., and Gladys Marie Melancon.

He is survived by his wife, Estella Melancon of Westwego, La.; his son, Brett Melancon and wife Beth; and three grandchildren, Blake, Bradley, and Ashley Melancon of Knoxville. He is also survived by his siblings, Ruddy Aude Melancon and Patricia (Patsy) Louise Benson of Louisiana.

Mel resided in Westwego, La., prior to moving to Oak Ridge to be closer to his son and grandchildren. Mel was a retired United States Air Force veteran. He was a talented artist, including painting and wood carving. He was a member of the Faith Masonic Lodge #756 in Oak Ridge as well as the F&A Masonic Lodge in Marrero, La. He also enjoyed visits to the Senior Center in Oak Ridge.

A memorial reception was held on Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Cascade Falls Clubhouse on Cascade Falls Lane in Knoxville from 4-6 p.m. A memorial service will take place on Jan. 4, 2014, in Louisiana.

Weatherford Mortuary of Oak Ridge is handling the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.