Darrell Joseph Melancon

Parks - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 pm, on Friday, May 20, 2016, at St. Joseph Catholic Church - Parks, for Darrell Melancon, 77, who passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at his residence. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at the funeral home from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Thursday, and continue on Friday at 7:00 am until 12:15 pm. A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm on Thursday. Rev. Austin Leger will officiate at the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery No. 2 in Breaux Bridge. In his remarkable and inspiring life, Darrell was a passionate man, and he brought that to every part of his life. At the age of 18, he joined the United States Navy, serving honorably for two years. Upon his discharge, he further pursued his love of art and traveled the world. After spending some time in California, he worked offshore in the oil business, as a welder and pipe fitter; his journey took him to many places around the globe, including Mexico, Fiji, Brazil, and Australia. Experiencing a variety of cultures enriched his appreciation of life and his relationship with God, which led him to the path of a seminarian. At St. Louis University in Missouri, he studied under the order of the Missionaries of the Holy Family and graduated first in his class, magna cum laude, as valedictorian. During his studies, Darrell found a different love and a new path to serve God through marriage and family, after which he worked for over 20 years, as a fitter and welder, at Barry Wehmiller in St. Louis, MO. At the age of 60, he retired and returned to the family farm, where he grew up and worked in his youth, single-handedly building a beautiful home and reestablishing the crawfish farm, where he spent the rest of his days. He will be well remembered for his fervent love of God, his dedication as a father, his profound skill as an artist, and his love of sharing in a job well done. Darrell Melancon will be eternally loved and missed. He is survived by his sons, Darren J. Melancon of St. Genevieve, MO, Adam V. Melancon and wife Soraya S. Melancon of Jacksonville, FL and Brenen P. Melancon of St. Martinville; daughters, Laura A. Melancon and husband Eric E. Rabuse of Woodlake, CA, and Brenda M. Melancon of Foristell, MO; sister, Linda A. Champagne and husband Howard J. Champagne of St. Martinville; and grandson, Carson Rabuse. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Paul and Lilia Melancon; brothers, Louis Melancon, James Melancon, Jason Melancon, Carroll Melancon (twin brother) and Lindsey Melancon; and sister, Mary Leblanc. Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge, 211 Berard St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements. To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com