Roy J. MELANCON

BROUSSARD - Funeral services will be held at a 2 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Broussard for Rev. Mr. Roy J. Melancon, 83, who joined the Lord Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2005. The Rev. Louis Richard, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, will be celebrant and the Rev. Mr. Fred Reed and the Rev. Mr. J. Douglas Melancon will assist. Interment will take place at Lafayette Memorial Park.The Rev. Mr. Roy J. Melancon, the son of the late Hugues Melancon and the former Blanche Champagne, was born March 11, 1922 in Anse LaButte, La. Roy served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He served three years in Africa, Italy and Sicily where he was wounded in action. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and various other awards. Roy was employed for many years by the City of Lafayette before answering his call to the Mission Ministry. Roy was ordained a permanent Deacon Oct. 11, 1980 in and for the Diocese of Lake Charles, La. serving as associate pastor until November 1987 at which time he was transferred to the Diocese of Lafayette and served at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Henderson, La. Prior to Roy's ordination to the Diaconate, he and his family moved to New Mexico and worked as lay missionaries in the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico, working with the Acoma, Laguna and Navajo Indians. He was also involved in the Cursillo Movement in the Gallup Diocese and in Lafayette.Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Louanna F. Melancon, of Broussard; two daughters, Paulette Langlinais and husband, Charles J. Langlinais, and Elizabeth "Beth" Carle and husband, Dean, all of Broussard; four sons, J. Dwight Melancon, of Littleton, Colo., M. Dwayne Melancon and wife, Ann Cupit, of Broussard, J. Gregory Melancon and wife, Gretchen Westervelt, of Winslow, Ark., and the Rev. Mr. J. Douglas Melancon and wife, Rebecca Soileau, of St. Martinville, La.; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Eula M. Olivier, of Broussard, and Margaret M. Atkins, of Lafayette; and one brother, James L. Melancon, of Baton Rouge.He was preceded in death by his parents.Visitation will be observed from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. today and will continue Thursday at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until the time of services.A rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. this evening.Pallbearers will be Michael Melancon, Jonathon Melancon, Charles "C.J." Langlinais, Dean Allen Carle, II, Joseph Carle and James L. Melancon.Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Langlinais, Dean Allen Carle, Bobby Hebert and Charles Pelletier.Roy was a faithful son of the Father and had great devotion to Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother. We rejoice with Heaven in welcoming him and will be dearly missed by all.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Diaconate Continuing Education Fund, Diocese of Lafayette, Office of Permanent Diaconate, P. O. Box 3387, Lafayette, LA 70502-3387.Personal condolences may be sent to the Melancon family at www.delhommefuneralhome.comDelhomme Funeral Home, 111 N. Washington, Broussard, is in charge of all funeral arrangements.