Joe Melancon, 93 of Hamshire, Texas passed away at Christus St Elizabeth Hospital on Thursday, August 18, 2016. 

Joseph Warren Melancon was born on April 11, 1923 in Rayne, Louisiana to Jack Melancon and Lena Credeur Melancon. Joe was one of 12 boys and two girls in his family. He went into the army as soon as he was old enough.  He served honorably during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart. After his service, he joined several of his brothers in Hamshire, Texas. There, he met and married Louella Mae Heckaman 66 years ago.  He worked briefly for Jefferson County, and then he was hired by Hamshire-Fannett School District. There he was known as Mr. Joe, and he ran a tight ship! Many of the kids who worked a summer job at the school said 'Mr. Joe was tough but he was fair!' After over 20 years, he retired from the school in 1988. 

Joe was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Winnie Texas, where he served for years as a trustee.  His family claims he worked harder after retirement than he did on the job. He gave freely of his time and skills to help his family and friends anytime they needed, most times they didn't even ask, he just showed up to get the job done. He was always busy working, but never too busy to stop for coffee every day at 10:00 and 4:00.  Joe taught us the value of hard work. He taught us to give. He was a real and true example of a husband, dad, and grandfather! He lived a good and full life! He will be greatly missed!

Mr. Melancon is survived by his wife, Louella Mae Melancon, his four children, Mark Melancon and his wife Carrie, of Mont Belvieu - Rocky Melancon and his wife Julie of Hamshire - Kathy Johnson and her husband Larry of Hamshire and Gary Melancon and his wife Candy of Fannett, 11 grandchildren Mandie Summers, Traci George, Phillip Melancon, Neal Melancon, Matt Melancon, Austin Melancon, Skyler Melancon, Ginger Crowder, Travis Melancon, Harley Johnson and Tyler Comeaux, 11 great-grandchildren, a brother, Elmo Melancon, and his wife Murmay of Hamshire, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, 10 brothers and 2 sisters.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to 

Hamshire-Fannett Education Foundation 12552 2nd St. Hamshire, TX 77622; Hope Lutheran Church P.O. Box 701 Winnie, Texas 77665; or American Cancer Society #4 Bayou Brandt, Suite B, Beaumont, Texas 77704.

A gathering of Mr. Melancon’s family and friends will be from 12 p.m., with his funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 21, 2016, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie.