Michael Jon Melling
Michael Jon Melling, 75, peacefully passed away at home in his sleep Friday, June 17, 2022. He was born in Port Arthur, Texas, to parents Charles O. Melling and Elaine Brister Melling on March 21, 1947. He grew up on Monroe Street in Groves, Texas, doing such normal boyhood activities like fishing, playing baseball, and being a paperboy, throwing newspapers in his neighborhood. He graduated from Port Neches-Groves High School in 1965 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lamar University. Michael had a God-given talent for creating artful masterpieces, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and jewelry, including the wedding rings for the incredible mountainside wedding in 1978.
Michael retired from Anderson Custom Homes after 35 years of meticulously working as a trim carpenter on some of Beaumont’s most beautiful homes. Michael especially loved traveling to two destinations: Colorado, where he lived after college graduation and Rockport, Texas, where the family had a vacation home.
Michael is survived by his wife of 44 years, Judy Irion Melling; daughter, Shalene and husband, Lamar Wells, of Orange; son, Jonevan Michael Melling of Beaumont; grandchildren, Ryan Humphrey of Bridge City, Brandon Humphrey and wife, Aspen, of Little Cypress, and Citori Stakes of Hillister, Texas; and great-grandson, Ronan Humphrey of Little Cypress, Texas. Michael is also survived by his sister, Sharley Woodruff of Bridge City; nephews, Keal Woodruff of Houston, Bret Woodruff of Orange, and Joshua Melling of Las Vegas, Nevada; and niece, Kelli Mitchell of Bridge City. He is also survived by extended family of in-laws, Betty and David Bookout of Dallas, Pat and Frank Daleo of Beaumont, Randal Bookout of Dallas, and Philip Daleo of Houston. Michael is predeceased by his parents and brother, Christopher Melling of Georgia.
A gathering of Mr. Melling’s family and friends will begin at 4:00 p.m. with his memorial service to follow at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, June 26, 2022, officiated by Reverend Keith F. Giblin, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- June 26, 2022
- 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Memorial Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- June 26, 2022
- 5:00 pm
Raymond sent me the video from the funeral. Judy, Michael was such a handsome man and y’all have such a beautiful family. My husband died of cancer 8 years ago and I know what it is to miss that other half. Scripture says “the 2 shall become 1” and I certainly felt half of me had been ripped away. Grief comes in waves and exhausts us mentally, physically and sometimes spiritually so please allow yourself time to cry, sleep, handle affairs, and just sit! People will tell you what and when you’re supposed to do, but you’re in charge of the schedule. There is NO timeline except yours. Please send me your address. I have something to send you. My heart goes out to you and my prayers go up for Gods comfort.
Judy, It was so nice of you to write this special message. It makes me cry to read it; I agree so much. I just did not realize the effect until it actually happened. I still have trouble believing it is true that Michael is gone. I am just now seeing your message, as I have been out of town 2 weeks with my sister. She thought it would help me…. but I don’t think it did. Thank you, again, so much. Love, Judy ( I remember Wayne.)
Judy, I just learned of Michael’s passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. He was such a special guy and oh so talented. Working with him and seeing the amazing work he did for our customers was a highlight of my life. He and Will were a team like no other. I send you prayers for strength and peace.
Candye ~~ Thank you so much for your kind words. Michael was so conscientious about his work (and everything in his life). He always wanted to do his best for Anderson Homes and the home owners. Thank you, again. Judy
I only met Michael once, maybe twice. My relationship with The Mellings was more with Judy. Judy and I worked together at Collier Park Retirement Community. In knowing Judy, it was apparent that she was a happy soul and loved life. I owe that to a happy home life. Every time I have spoken with Judy since Michael’s cancer diagnosis, I have been amazed at Judy’s optimism and zest for life. I attribute that to Michael. Michael fought a good fight with Judy and family by his side. He just grew tired. Many prayers and much love.
Diane Parrett
Thank you for your kind words, Diane. Michael was so happy that I worked my “retirement job” at Collier Park because he knew how much I loved it. He loved the stories of our fun residents & hearing about the leadership of you and, of course, Becky Ames. Many memories.
Mike was very close friends with my brother, Jim. I don’t hear from him any longer but I heard about Michael’s passing from my sister-in-law who happened to see iit in the paper. I was deeply moved to hear of his death. I worshiped him when I was young. I admired his talent and thought he was astonishingly gifted. My thoughts are with his family and friends. I send love.
Oh, that’s so nice of you to write. Michael always referred to you as Patty. And I know how fond he was of you, as you were of him. Seems like you lived in northern Texas, but I don’t remember for sure. I am glad that your sister-in-law let you know. Michael was special to so many people. Thank you for writing. Judy Melling
This may seam trivial, knowing how much Michael dislike dressing up, I loved that he came to Scott’s ceremony in a suit.
My heart aches with you. We were friends from Wayback.
My love to you, Jonevan and Shalene.
Harriet ~~ That is really so meaningful. Even though it was extra effort to put on a starched shirt and get all spiffed up, he enjoyed being nicely dressed for whatever the occasion was, especially since it wasn’t very often. He thought it somewhat showed an extra measure of respect. And, you know, he was always respectful. Thank you for writing. Love, Judy
Judy and Jon, the lavender morning sky at Chrystal Beach, hot dogs for breakfast, the lovely fire Michael prepared on the beach; laughter; long conversations on your back porch while drinking the best coffee ever – the sweetness of friendship – all the years flashing by my mind. My heart is broken for you both. BUT happiness fills my soul for the blessing of knowing this fine, gentle, kind man who loved my best friend completely and truly. Nothing takes that away. He will always be with us. All my love, Barbara Dianne
Barbara Dianne ~~ Your words, while so very meaningful to me, bring tears to my eyes & my heart. But, as you said, we have great joy, happiness, and gratefulness for having Michael for the time that we did. One friend said, Michael is “one of a kind”, and that is so very true. And yes, he will always be with us. Love you.
Love you, Judy! My heart is broken for you. I will pray that you will find comfort from all of those that love you.
Thank you so much Sherrie. It’s a very hard time for us; but words from you and others definitely bring comfort to our hearts. Love, Judy
Judy, my sympathy for your loss. Love you girl.
Thank you so much, Jan. Love you.
Ronnie built our house for us 22 years ago and Mr. Mike was one of the great group of guys who made it happen. I could see everyday that he was proud of his craft and his talents made my dream come true. I will miss him. Chris Juckett
Dear Chris ~~ That is so very nice of you to say. Michael was always so conscientious about his work…. and actually everything in life. He really wanted to do his best for you and all the others that he had the pleasure of working for. Thank you so much for writing, Judy Melling
Our hearts break for you Judy and Jonevan. Your family has been such an important part of our family’s life since the first time you pulled into my driveway with that beautiful redheaded baby. Michael was truly treasured and loved by many. We are so sorry for your loss.
Ruby ~~ You know how Michael felt about you, a friend, neighbor, & “confidante” would could work as hard as he did. And believe me, YOU were a Godsend and I am so grateful that our paths crossed, beginning that fateful day you walked out of your front door with YOUR beautiful red hair. And you are the one that found our beloved home for us. Thank you forever & ever. Love, Judy
I had the pleasure of meeting Mike when I started working at Anderson Homes over 13 years ago, as a young superintendent. We both took a liking to each other. He taught me many things over the years. Some of which, has made Anderson Homes interior trim stand out and our reputation as having the best trim carpenter in town. After Mike retired, we have continued to stay in touch over the years. With phone conversations and meetings on the rear porch at the house. He loved to hear what we were working on, the types of architecture of the home, how large was the project, but most of all what was the trim going to be! I would have to show him pictures of Bruce’s work so he could approve of it!! I would always bring Mike and Judy some fresh teal, fresh venison, and smoked chickens. He would want to hear the whole hunting story. Somehow, I gained this man’s trust. As time went by and his mind would always want to do more than his body could, he would call me for help. And as he was always there for me when I had questions about how to do something, I was there for him. I enjoyed working with this man, will miss our conversations, and friendship. My thoughts and prayers go out Judy and Jonevan.
Adam, Adam, Adam….. I’m not sure if I can even respond to your wonderful words about the man that we both loved….. and really everyone loved Michael. You meant so much to him (& to me); you always kept in touch & remembered him after your hunting trips. He really thought of you as a son. I hope you know how appreciative I am that you were always there for Michael. Thank you for your thoughts, moving words, and prayers. Judy
Judy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May he RIP!
Thank you, Diane. We are now traveling down the road that you have already traveled.
Yes, our husbands have now both won their race! God Bless You!
Judy/Jonevan
I am so sorry to hear of you Husband/ Father passing. I remember Jonevan taking such good care of my Dad when he had the challenge to do so.
I know that he was a great man and again saddened by your loss.
Michael was indeed, a wonderful man; one we should all try to be like. Thank you, Rhonda.
Judy, I am thinking of how you and Mike supported and loved each other through all the good times and all the hard times. It is a blessing to have had such a loyal, loving life partner. My heart goes out to you and Jonevan.
Dearest Joyce ~~ It is surely true that Michael & I had a very special relationship. I must have been living right to be lucky enough to have found him. He is one of a kind. Thank you so much, Joyce, for writing.
Dear Judy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Michael and I worked together at the Channel 4 TV station in Port Arthur in the early 1970s and immediately became good friends. He was an amazing artist, I remember his wonderful paintings so well. Michael was caring, honest and ethical, had a sly sense of humor, and was also a lot of fun to be around. I regret that the years separated us from our friendship as our lives moved on, but I will always remember what a unique and gifted person Michael was and what a blessing it was to have known him.
Dear Bob, Your words are so kind…. and very true about Michael. He had a gift…. and he was a gift. Your words really have a lot of meaning to us. Thank you so much.
Judy and Jonevan,
No words are adequate at a time like this, but I wanted you to know how very sorry my family is for your loss.
I enjoyed working with Mike for over 35 years. In that time I gained an immense amount of knowledge and refinement in doing trim work along side one of the most creative artists I’ve come to know. I have a lot of respect for him in all he taught me. I cared for him deeply, and I will miss our time spent together and our talks. Keeping you and the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Likewise, Bruce…..there are no adequate words to say how much your comment means. It definitely brings tears to my eyes and heart. You were such a big part of Michael’s life. And I know you came to be as meticulous as he was. I guess Ronnie was the one to benefit from that….. or the homeowners. Thank you, Bruce. Judy
Thinking of you Judy and all your family.
Thank you, Liz.
To Mike’s family:
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. We know you will all miss his outgoing personality and his creativity and talent. Mike and I graduated from high school together in 1965 and from Lamar University as well. He worked for me as an expert carpenter and worked right alongside me, building custom homes in mid-county in the early 1970s. Mike was always an agreeable young man who loved his work and the folks he worked around. I was blessed to call him my friend. God be with you all at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Mike.
Al and Nancy DuCote – Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Thank you so much, Alvin, for writing. I remember you & Michael working together but had forgotten that you graduated together. Thank you, again, for your comforting words. Judy