Beloved husband of 60 years to Loretta L. Cantin. Father of Deborah Cantin Soileau (Dennis), Kenneth Merrill Cantin, Stephen Merrill Cantin (Sondra Harris Cantin), and the late Rebecca Anne Cantin. Grandfather of Sarah Louviere (Jeffrey), Amanda Billiot (Adam), Bradley Cantin, Ryder Chriss, and Tai Cantin. Great grandfather of Ava Billiot, Allie Billiot, Anya Billiot, and Luke Louviere. Brother of Carol Cantin Gatewood, Robert Cantin (Marilyn), and the late Jacquelyn Cantin. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Mel served his country in the United States Army. He worked as a Wharfman at Tenneco/Mobil Oil at the Chalmette Refinery. He was an avid golfer and fisherman. He loved to cheer on LSU and the Saints. Above all, Mel was a loving and devoted husband and family man.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd in New Orleans, on Friday, December 7, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Association, 3445 N Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002.