Joseph D. Melancon

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Lafayette - A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph "Bee" Melancon, 80, will be held Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, at 2 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church in Youngsville.

Visitation will be held at David Funeral Home of Lafayette Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006, from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m.

Visitation will resume Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. until the time of services with a recitation of the rosary by his sisters-in-law at 1 p.m.

Interment will follow at St. Anne Cemetery.

Mr. Melancon went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006, at 6:30 a.m. at his residence surrounded by his loved ones.

Mr. Melancon was born in Youngsville, La. Aug. 29, 1926. He was a recipient of Woodman of the World "Good Neighbor Citation" (2002), recipient of "Lion's Club Civic Award" (1991) Chartered Member, recipient of "Outstanding Education Award" (1986), member of "Krewe des Amis", past King (1995-2001) and was a retired school teacher (40) years with Lafayette Parish School Board. Because education was important to him, he continued teaching adult education for several more years. Mr. Melancon began teaching in 1953 and retired in 1987. He was an avid reader and loved gardening. Mr Melancon was active at St. Anne Catholic Church. Mr. "Bee" was at one time the Youth Choir Director at St. Anne. He also assisted the Council on Aging by delivering meals to the shut-ins.

Mr. Melancon served his country in World War II in the U.S. Navy on the battleship USS Intrepid.

Mr. Melancon is survived by his wife of 54 wonderful years, Melba Hebert Melancon, of Youngsville; a daughter, Melinda M. Merckle and her husband, Steven Merckle, of Youngsville; a granddaughter, Lindsey Nicole Merckle, of Youngsville; a grandson, Lee Christopher Merckle, of Youngsville; a nephew, Britt Melancon, of New Orleans; and a special caregiver, Rita Vincent.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilton and Irma Pommier Melancon; and a brother, Paul James Melancon

Pallbearers will be Steven Merckle, Britt Melancon, Gordon Guilliot, Huey Decou, Randy Boudreaux, Pervis Boudreaux, and Elton Hebert.

Readers will be Pamela Daigle and J.C. Gallet.

Gift bearers will be Lindsey Merckle and Lee Christopher Merckle.

The family wishes to give a special thanks to Rita Keller of Our Lady of Lourdes, Hospice of Acadiana and all his doctors both in Lafayette and in New Orleans.

David Funeral Home of Lafayette will be handling arrangements