Jose G Melendez

Retired Sergeant Major Jose G. Melendez Santiago of Copperas Cove, TX, passed away after a lengthy illness on November 14, 2017, at the age of 86. Jose was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico, on December 26, 1930. He was the tenth child of Valentina Santiago and Jose G. Melendez.

Jose enlisted in the United States Army in 1951 as part of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers. He served in the Army for over twenty-seven years, completed one tour in the Korean War, completed two tours in the Vietnam War, and was awarded 29 ribbons and decorations, including a Bronze Star Medal. SGM Melendez received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014 after Congress voted to recognize the Borinqueneers for their bravery during the Korean War. Jose was proud of his service; he was a lifetime member of the Copperas Cove American Legion, and an active member of the 40 and 8, and the Military Order of the Cooties.

Sergeant Major Melendez was preceded in death by his parents; his eight siblings; his son, Eric Melendez; and his daughter, Carmen Melendez. Jose is survived by Maria, his wife of almost sixty-six years; his sister Francisca Melendez de Fuentes; his three children: Angie (Michael Nader) Grandusky , Wanda (George) Massoni, and Jose (Cathy) Melendez. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Katrina Massoni, Eric Grandusky, Hilary Johnson, Sabrina Melendez, Ryan Grandusky, Holly Melendez, Heather (Chris) Hansen, Aundrea (Nathan) Wonnacott, Katie (Travis) Miles, Joseph Melendez, and nine great grandchildren.

The Melendez family would like to express their gratitude to Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Temple, TX, Creekside Terrace Rehabilitation in Belton, TX, and Hospice for the wonderful care provided to their loved one. SGM Melendez's grandchildren are very proud of his achievements and feel blessed to have had him in their lives. His love for his grandchildren was unconditional and he was a wonderful grandpa. His silly antics and laughter will be greatly missed.

Graveside services will be held at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen on Thursday, November 30th, at 10 a.m.

Arrangements under the direction of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Copperas Cove, Texas.