Donald Wayne Melrose

Donald Wayne Melrose, of Barstow, California, born on September 11, 1938 in Fletcher, Oklahoma, to the late Bertha Mullenix McKinley and the late Thomas Melrose, passed away at age 79 on May 31, 2018. He was not a man of formalities and preferred being known as “Don”.

From 1956 to 1959, Don served in the Navy; he worked as a truck driver with Fidelity Moving & Storage for 7 years; he worked at Dunn Mining Company for 12 years; and he worked as a gas plant operator with Pacific Gas and Electric for 20 years until he retired in 2004.

Don was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He played guitar with the Spanish Choir for 20 years. He was a member of the RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Team, a member of the Scripture Study Team, a member of the Prayer Day Team, and a member of the Bereavement and Funeral Ministries.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Tommy McKinley; brother, Jimmy Leroy Melrose; sister, Emma Ruth Melrose; and granddaughters Precious and Serena Joy.

Don was married to Rosario “Rose” Molina Melrose for 23 blessed years. He is survived by his sons, Michael Melrose and wife Virginia, Vincent Hernandez and fiancée Kristine, and Alexander Hernandez; daughters, Yvonne Melrose Wilhelm and husband Wilton, Jennifer Hernandez, and Diana Hernandez; his grandchildren Paul, Whitley and husband Roy, Melinda and husband Eddie, Jussine, Taina, Mike and wife Chelsea, Ashley, Morgan, Makayla, Taylor, Noah, Madeline, Isabella, Brisa, Larissa, Celine, Evangeline, Claire, Luis, Kailey, Sierra, Tatiana and Milo; his great-grandchildren Makenzie, Peyton, Edward and Jordan. He was previously married to Annie Chavez Jaramillo. He is also survived by many loving extended family members.

“God saw him getting tired, and a cure was not to be so He put His arms around him and whispered, “Come to Me.” With tearful eyes we watched him suffer, and saw him slowly fade away. Although we loved him dearly, we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands put to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He brings us home to rest.”

Friends and family members are invited to attend the visitation on Friday, June 8 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Barstow, California. A Rosary Service will take place at 10:00 a.m followed by sharing of fond memories and further visitation. Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Graveside Service and Interment will follow at Mtn. View Memorial Park Cemetery. Reception will follow at Noonan Hall at St. Joseph Catholic Church.