Douglas Ray Melton

Douglas Ray Melton was born on March 12, 1957 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was raised by his adopted grandmother. He asked for his salvation from the Lord at an early age at Lafayette Park Baptist Church. He graduated from McKinley High School and then began college at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Soon after, he graduated with a bachelors degree in Park and Recreation management. Doug’s career started in St. Louis, but in 1981, he took a job with the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation department. Doug’s time at the City of Dallas generated a lot of friendships, and those friendships became his extended family. There are too many to name here, but the one friendship that meant the most to him was with Carla.

Doug and Carla were married on November 3rd, 1989 in New Braunfels, Texas. The family unit that they created was one of a blended sort. Doug brought in Micah, and Carla brought in Daniel and Adam. Doug and Carla added Mariah to the mix, and the family became complete. The blended family would benefit greatly from Doug’s articulate vacation planning skills. He took them on many trips to St. Louis to visit the area he grew up in frequenting many eateries and enjoying the local culture. The favorite spots to visit were the Busch Brewery, Grants Farm, Union Station, The Arch, Ameghetties, the McDonalds on the Steamboat and Lafayette Park.

During retirement, Doug developed some new interests. He worked security at the local mall, which helped him fund his pirate adventures. He developed some of his greatest friendships during this time, and he supported and helped Carla explore her Native American heritage by going to powwows and doing extensive research of her tribes past. His collection of rare Western antiques and collectibles increased during this time, and he dabbled with interior design. Though, he probably wouldn’t be featured in any magazine, but he loved what he loved.

Recently, Doug became a professional trip planner and barbecue connoisseur. Doug and Carla were known to take bucket list trips all throughout the southwestern areas of America searching for the best places to eat and visit. Along with planning trips, he became a super awesome grandfather. Doug faithfully attended Mountain Creek Church near Duncanville until he met his neighbor, Ernie Flores. Mr. Flores invited Doug and Carla to Crossroads of Life Church in Duncanville. Over time and lots of fellowship, Mr. Flores became the father that Doug never had. Doug was deeply involved in the homeless ministry with his wife. Doug’s prized possession was his family. His influence on the family has created a legacy of great memories.

Doug is survived by his loving wife Carla, his daughter Mariah, son Micah and wife Sarah, son Daniel and wife Kara, son Adam, his grandchildren Lyla, Eden, and Luke, sisters Debbie and Cindy, and brothers Mark, Scott, and Joe.