Thomas Franklin Melancon Jr.

Thomas Franklin Melancon Jr., better known as "Tommy" or "Pawpaw", passed away peacefully on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 12:30 PM at his home in Kenner, LA, where he resided for the past 55 years. Tommy was 88 years old. He was surrounded by his loving wife Margaret who has been by his side every step of the way (the true meaning of sickness and health), by his daughter, his two sons, grandkids, great grandkids, family, and friends after suffering from a stroke for almost three years and fighting colon cancer for the past few months.

His parents were originally from Donaldsonville, LA and moved to the Irish Channel where he was born at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA. He graduated from Redemptorist High School, then was drafted into the United States Army where he served during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he continued his education at Delgado Junior College where he received eight different diplomas in multiple different trades from car mechanics to welding. He also loved to drive the streetcars on St. Charles Ave. and Canal St. where he was an operator before starting his career at NOPSI, where he served as a Foreman in he natural gas department for 46 years. He was a member of American Legion Kenner Post 377.

On November 1, 1973, he married his true love and the love of his life, Margaret McCain Melancon, and raised a daughter Sheryl; two sons, Gene and Troy; 14 grandkids; and 12 great grandkids.

Tommy will be joining his father, Thomas Melancon, Sr.; his mother, Rosa Melancon; his brothers, Clark Melancon, Peter (Bert) Melancon; sisters, Etta Melancon Heller, Vera Melancon Richard; and his brother-in-law, Harold Heller, Sr.

He will be leaving behind his loving wife of 53 years, Margaret McCain Melancon; his daughter, Sheryl Schoen (Michael); his sons, Gene Hays (Jrean) and Troy Melancon (Dawn); his grandkids, Michael Schoen (Rozi), Brittany Adams (Corey), Brandon Hays (Tabitha), Savannah Strickland (Blake), Kaila Mohr (Daniel), Jordan Melancon (Kaitlyn), Camryn Melancon (Bryson); nieces and nephews, Harold Heller, Jr. (Paulette), Chris and Savannah Heller, Judy Jones (Chuck), Cindy and D.J., and Amanda and Matthew; his adopted sons, Nicky Lumetta and Sean Bufkin; numerous nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Bennie Brouillette.

Tommy had a passion for fixing things that were broken, especially small engines and cars. He loved to buy used cars and fix them with his sons; his step-sons, Nicky and Sean; and especially his nephew, Harold Heller. Tommy was one of the strongest men you could have ever met. He was one of a kind. The true definition of a role model and a man's man. A jack of all trades, there wasn't anything that he couldn't fix with his hands.He was the most incredible, selfless, genuine, happy go lucky, trustworthy, unselfish you could ever meet. The happiest, most loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was always happy, never angry, even after he got sick. Dad, you are the strongest man I have met and you put up a great fight, but on September 18, 2026, God needed another angel in heaven, so you could be our guardian angel and our guiding light. You will be truly and deeply missed by everyone who has crossed your path. Rest in peace. We love you daddy. We will all meet up again someday.

Visitation will be held at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, Metairie, LA on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the funeral home chapel at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery No. 3, New Orleans, LA.