Norris Joseph Melancon

Norris Melancon 1928-2021 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 1:00 at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Richard for Norris Melancon, age 92. He died at 4:53 p.m. at the Acadian-St. Landry Hospital in Church point on September 22, 2021. Fr. Kory LaVergne, Pastor of St. Edward Catholic Church in Richard will be officiating for the services. Burial will be held in the St. Edward Catholic Church Cemetery in Richard. The family has requested the visitation to be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 9:00 A.M. until 12:30 in the Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Church Point. A Rosary will be recited on Saturday at 11:00 A.M. in the Funeral Home Chapel. Norris was a truly remarkable individual. He was, first and foremost, a loving husband and doting father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved children, and his positive influence lives on in the hearts and minds of his descendants. Born on November 13, 1928, Norris was the son of Duma and Ella Veronie Melancon. He grew up in St. Landry Parish and moved to the Church Point area after marrying Evon LeJeune in 1947. Following his marriage, he worked as a farmer until Hurricane Audrey destroyed his cotton crop in June 1957. This setback forced him to change profession. In later years, he worked as a carpenter, electrician, and Louisiana highway department employee. He never shied away from an engineering challenge and was the ultimate problem-solver, building whatever was needed for comfort or efficiency. He had a lifelong love of learning and insatiable inquisitiveness. Over the years, he collected stamps, coins, and antiques. He shared a special bond with his son-in-law Carl, with whom he shared a love of history and travel. Carl’s family and Norris visited Nova Scotia, the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone Park, Washington, DC, the Northeast, and the home of Country and Western music. He had an incredible work ethic, and typically outperformed men half his age on work sites. Although plagued in old age by numerous infirmities, including very serious eye issues and recurring strokes, Norris never complained, never criticized, and always had a smile. He was a man of honor, consummate integrity, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. He led by example and had a positive effect on every life he touched. He was not judgmental, and he helped everyone in need that he encountered. He will be missed by everyone whose life was changed for the better by this extraordinary man. Norris was preceded in death by his parents; Evon LeJeune Melancon, his wife of 68 years; his son Kearny; his daughter Sheryl; his brother Joseph; and his sister Sadie Venable. He is survived by his daughter Glenda, son-in-law Carl Brasseaux; grandchildren Ryan Brasseaux (Jessika), David Brasseaux (Christi), Aimee Hamilton (Jacob), Christopher Deshotel (Allison), Megan Barousse (Koby), and sixteen great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Brandi Stephenson, Peggy Venable, and Harold and Phyllis Deshotel for their continued support during his last years, as well as his granddaughter Megan for her medical support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Affiliated Blind of Acadiana, 409 West St. Mary Blvd., Lafayette, LA 70506; Acadian Council on Aging, 824 East 1st St., Crowley, LA 70526; or the Richard Volunteer Fire Department, 1740 Charlene Hwy., Church Point, LA 70525. In keeping with COVID guidelines, the family requests that funeral home visitors wear masks and practice social distancing. You may view the obituary, sign the guest registry and express condolences to Mr. Melancon’s family at www.duhonfuneralhome.com. Duhon Funeral Home-Church Point; 701 Broadway Street; Church Point, LA 70525; 337-684-5552.