Melchor Tomas Ontiveros Jr.

Melchor Tomas Ontiveros Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud veteran, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord on Friday, March 20, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 90 due to complications from a stroke. He was born on April 3, 1935, in El Paso, Texas.

Mel lived a life defined by dedication—to his family, his country, and his profession. He proudly served in the United States Navy, carrying the values of discipline and service with him throughout his life.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1960 from the University of Texas at El Paso, then known as Texas Western College. In 1959, he met and married the love of his life, Nina May White, in El Paso. They shared 53 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2012.

Together, Mel and Nina built a life centered on family and adventure, raising their two children in El Paso, Clear Lake, Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, and Huntsville, Alabama. His career as an engineer took him across the country and the world. He worked with LTV Aerospace Corporation in its Michigan Division on Lance Missile Operations, served as Site Manager for Kentron Hawaii, Ltd. at the Kwajalein Missile Range, and later became Program Director for Kentron International, Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama. His distinguished career culminated with his final position at Lockheed Martin in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Outside of his professional life, Mel was deeply committed to physical fitness. An avid runner, he spent much of his life training and competing, completing multiple marathons and inspiring those around him with his discipline and endurance. He also found great joy in the outdoors—spending time camping, fishing, and cherishing every opportunity to be near the ocean. His love of the beach brought him happiness, especially when shared with family. He also had a lifelong love of cars and dogs, finding joy in both the craftsmanship of automobiles and the companionship of his beloved pets. He was especially dedicated to staying active and could often be found at the Arlington YMCA, where he worked out daily, sometimes even twice a day.

Those who knew Mel will fondly remember his quick wit and dry sense of humor, which brought smiles and laughter to family gatherings and friendships alike. Even after his stroke, Mel remained a fighter—facing each day with determination, resilience, and quiet strength that inspired those around him.

He is survived by his loving children, son Mel T. Ontiveros and his wife Susan of Madison, Alabama, and daughter Melanie Ontiveros Lillard and her husband Tom of Dallas, Texas. He was a proud grandfather to Michael Ontiveros and his wife Kristine, Elena Ontiveros, Matthew Lillard and his wife Jennifer, Foster Lillard, and Campbell Lillard.

Mel is also survived by his sister, Gina Monson and her husband Joe, along with many nieces and nephews. Mel cherished a wide circle of friends, including his dear friend Diane Abadie.

He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, his strength of character, and his deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives of those he touched and the example he set. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Mel will be laid to rest at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, where he will be interred alongside his beloved wife.