Wayne Albert Melancon Sr.

A retired master gunnery sergeant for the United States Marine Corps, he passed away on Dec. 5, 2011 at the age of 74. During high school, he joined the National Guard before transferring into the Marine Corps. Throughout his 22 year career with the Corps, he earned numerous awards including the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Navy Unity Commendation Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon, Expert Rifle/Pistol Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross Medal and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Action Medal. During his service, he worked as an operations communication chief, drill instructor, recruiter, and held numerous other jobs. He served two tours in Vietnam, spent time stationed in Iwakuni, Japan, and trained Philippine marines in Karagador, Philippines before being honorably discharged in 1977. He was a man of many trades, including several years as the acting food stamp advisor in Ascension Parish, co-owner of Gazebo Grill for 10 years, and several years spent raising cows and baling hay. In 1977, he started Wayne’s Taxi Service which he operated alongside his wife until his death. He is survived by his loving wife, Esther Marie Landry Melancon, of Gonzales; daughter, Sue Ann Melancon Flanery and Husband Eddie, of Timpson, TX; three sons, Wayne Albert Melancon Jr. and Daniel Ray Melancon, both of Gonzales, and George Melancon and Wife Melanie of Cocoa, FL; a brother, Kerry Melancon and wife Linda of French Settlement; 13 grandchildren, Daniel Melancon Jr., Mark Melancon, Jules Melancon, Leo Melancon, Venia Melancon, Kecia Polvent, Derek Melancon, Christina Melancon, Taylor Duhe, Ashley Duhe, Michael Flanery, Steven Flanery and Patricia Garrett; four great grandchildren, Christian, Tyson, Jayvin, and Mark Jr.; sister-in-law, Nedra Ramagos; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Henry and Brenda Landry and Gregory and Cynthia Landry; numerous nieces and nephews; and his loyal Boston Terriers, Dixie, Duke, Dee Dee, and Buddy. Preceded in death by his parents, Honirine “Rena” C. and Leo “Jr” C. Melancon; grandparents, Leo C. Melancon Sr. and wife Marie Adine Bourgeois and Joseph Bucie Vavasseur Sr. and wife Jeanne Marie Theriot; son, John Paul Melancon; brother, Leo Glen Melancon and wife, Joann; grandson, Ryan Melancon; nephew, Kerry Melancon Jr.; father-in-law and mother-in-law Henry J. and Mailey J. Sedatol Landry; brother-in-law, Cecil Ramagos Sr.; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Francis “Mule” and Emma Jane Landry Thibodeaux. A visitation will be held at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales on Fri., Dec., 9, 2011 from 5 pm until 9 pm. Visitation will resume at St. Anthony Church, Darrow, on Sat., Dec. 10, 2011 from 8 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am, with Father Mike, celebrant. Pallbearers will be Wayne Melancon Jr., Danny Melancon Sr., George Melancon, Derek Melancon, Eddie Flanery, Taylor Duhe, Daniel Melancon Jr., and Darrin Melancon. He was a hardworking man with a big heart. He loved his wife and family deeply and will be sadly missed. A good day for Wayne meant he was spending time with his grandchildren, watching NASCAR or football, or drinking coffee and talking to friends at the “liars table” at the Waffle House. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursofh.com.