Catahoula – Funeral services were conducted for Mr. Milton Melancon, 75, at 2 p.m. on Friday March 13, 2009, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Catahoula with the Rev. Donald Pelous officiating. Interment followed at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery.

A native of St. Martin Parish and resident of Catahoula, Mr. Melancon passed away at 9:46 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at Lafayette Heart Hospital.

He will be remembered as an avid sportsman who loved fishing and hunting. He enjoyed working in his garden and spending time with children and grandchildren. Mr. Melancon was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was proud to have served his country and was also proud of his Cajun culture. He could often be found visiting with his family and friends and listening to his Cajun French music.

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years Mrs. Lilly Knott Melancon; two daughters, Cheryl Mier of Catahoula and Leslie M. Gaspard and husband Marty of Catahoula; one son, Darrell Olivier and wife Claudia of Catahoula; two sisters, Elaine M. Hebert of Lafayette, Mildred M. Simoneaux of Catahoula; one brother, Leed Melancon of Parks; nine grandchildren, Talya Doucet, Celissa Mier, Dillon Mier, Holden Poirier, Chloe Jones, Tiffony Dardar, Toney Dardar Jr., Brittany Gaspard and Lane Gaspard; and three great-grandchildren, Hunter Dardar, Riley Doucet, Kaiser Doucet.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Amelie Wiltz Melancon; two brothers, Stafford Melancon and Dallas Melancon; one son, Craig Olivier; and his son-in-law Amos Mier.

To view on-line obituary, video tribute and sign the guest register, please visit www.mem.com.

Evangeline Funeral Homes Inc. of St. Martinville was in charge of arrangements.