Walton R. Melson

Walton Ray "Walt" Melson, 76, passed away Monday, August 5, 2013 at the Regent Care Center at Oakwell Farms in San Antonio, Texas. Born on August 14, 1936 in Mamie, North Carolina, he was raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he graduated from Great Bridge High School in 1954. He joined the U.S. Army and proudly served his country in both peace and wartime for 30 years. During his distinguished career, Walt served with the 8th Special Forces Group, 4th Aviation Battalion, 273rd Aviation Company (Heavy Helicopter), and the 478th Aviation Company (Heavy Helicopter) as a pilot. His military decorations included the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster. He achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 and served at Fort Sam Houston as Aviation Safety Officer before retiring from the U.S. Army in 1984. Walt continued his dedication to service as a civilian in his community of Windcrest, Texas, where he served as a Volunteer Fireman and Director of Public Works for many years. He was an active member of the Windcrest Optimist Club.

Walt was happily married to Teresa "Teri" Chutis who he met while stationed in Panama. He enjoyed traveling, woodworking, construction and mechanical projects, and helping his family and many friends.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Julian Riley and Ethel Daniels Melson; and grandson, Donald F. Pulley Jr.

Walt is survived by his wife of 46 years, Teri of Windcrest, Texas; his sons, Ruben (Liz) Melson of San Antonio, Texas, Jorge (Laurie) Melson of Dallas, Texas, and Michael (Kimberly) Melson of Dallas, Texas; his daughters, Sharon Hodges of Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, and Teresa Melson of Virginia Beach, Virginia; his brother, Robert Melson of California; and his eight grandchildren, William, John, Adam, Daniel, William, Preston, Quinn and Hannah.

Visitation will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at Porter Loring on McCullough.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

TUESDAY

AUGUST 13, 2013

7:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

MASS

WEDNESDAY

AUGUST 14, 2013

10:00 A.M.

ST. PETER PRINCE OF THE APOSTLES CATHOLIC CHURCH

111 BARILLA

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.