Carmen Rodriguez Melendez

Carmen Melendez entered eternal rest at the age of 79 on Thursday, November 5, 2026. This simple obituary can never fully explain the life she lived as the depth of her love for family and friends is immeasurable.

Carmen was born to Josefa and Raymundo Rodriguez on December 22, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas. She was the second child and eldest daughter. In true eldest daughter form, she held a silent strength throughout her young life. As a teenager in the 1960s, she and her sister left Luther Burbank High School to become providers for their mother and younger brother. She began her working career as a maid at Incarnate Word High School and eventually retired as a State of Texas employee in 2005.

Music and dancing brought Carmen great happiness and eventually brought love to her life. During the Christmas holidays of 1969 at the Savoy Nightclub on S. Flores, Carmen met Airman Juan Antonio (Tony) Melendez and a whirlwind romance began. They agreed to build a life together in February 1970 and were married July 18, 1970. Ever practical, instead of a honeymoon, the lovebirds decided to purchase a home and begin the most loving journey of their lives that lasted more than 56 years.

Carmen became a mother in August 1973 with the birth of her daughter, Angelica. Just 16 months later, Marisol came along. And all prayers were answered when her son, Tony Jr., was born in August 1985. Her family and her life were complete. As a mother, there was none better. She loved with a fierceness and protectiveness that could be felt by all those nearby. Regardless of the need, Carmen always made sure her children knew they could come to her and she would find a way. In addition to her children, she loved and protected her numerous nieces and nephews, children of her friends, and any child in need. She was called Honey, Mommy, Mom, Tia Nena, Titi, Short Stuff and Miss Carmen by those who loved her, but the name she treasured the most was Wela.

Just one month before retirement, Carmen became a grandmother to Angelica Michelle. Three and half years later, Richard Antonio brought even more joy to her life. From their first breath, to her last, every day she dedicated herself to her grandchildren. Every step along the way Wela was there to cheer them on, pick them up and wrap them in her protective arms. As they grew, their friends also became enamored with Wela and she with them.

In her final years, Carmen and Tony enjoyed their retirement years together. Morning coffee, Sunday lunch with dear friends, and family events kept them busy. She travelled with Tony and friends to Europe visiting Spain, Monaco, France and Italy. They also travelled to Israel and walked where Jesus walked. Her very last vacation was with her family - husband, children, son-in-law, and grandchildren - cruising Alaska. Here she prayed the rosary sitting on the balcony of her room looking at the majestic views. As a child growing up in her circumstances, she would often say she couldn’t believe how her life turned out and she was forever grateful for God’s blessings. And those blessings continued to the very end. She died surrounded by her family, knowing no words were left unsaid.

Carmen is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Juan Antonio Melendez; daughter Angelica Melendez, daughter Marisol Scheer (husband Chris), son Juan Antonio Melendez, Jr, granddaughter Angelica Michelle Scheer, grandson Richard Antonio Scheer; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Carmen was preceded in death by her parents, Josefa and Raymundo Rodriguez, siblings Manuel Rodriguez, Mary Esther Ocasio, and Bernardo Rodriguez.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 5:30PM with a rosary beginning at 7:00 PM. Services will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Sunset Funeral home at 9:00 AM followed by burial services at 10:30 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospital, The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, or the Tunnel 2 Tower Foundation,