Gerald Joseph Melancon, the former owner and proprietor of Melancon Home Decorating of LaPlace passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at the age of 81. He was born in Grandpoint and was a resident of Garyville for the past 61 years. He was a graduate of Romeville High School.

A pillar of strength until his illness, he loved life.

He was the beloved husband of Eunice Millet Melancon, his loving wife for 61 years. In addition to his wife, he leaves behind one daughter, Donna Crotty Terrio Danny), three sons, Wendell “Nemo” Melancon, Terrell Melancon and Timmy Melancon (Debbie), grandchildren Nathan and Bethany Crotty, Donny Terrio, Ian, Haley, Julie and Wesley Melancon and Claire Tarver, one great-grandson, Duane Crotty III, and three sisters, Mary Ann M. Cummins, Ethel M. Roussel Thomas and Francine K. Slimmer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix Raymond Melancon and Lucy Louque Melancon Kliebert, stepfather, Stanley Joseph Kliebert, brother, James Edgard Melancon, sister, Helen M. Kliebert, and son-in-law, Duane “Ducie” Crotty.

Services will be held today, May 14, 2011, at St. Hubert’s Catholic Church in Garyville at 10 a.m. Visitation will be at the church from 8:30 a.m. until time of service. Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery in Reserve.