John David Melius

John David Melius, 79, passed away on March 20, 2026, while residing in Waldorf, MD. Born on September 3, 1946, John lived a life marked by creativity, resilience, and dedication to his family.
John graduated from Bladensburg High School and later attended the University of Maryland, where he proudly supported the Terrapins. He served honorably in the Army during the Vietnam War.
Professionally, John was a talented artist and an innovative inventor. He founded Melius Inventive Arts and invented the swim fins Mor-Fins/Whip Fins, products that showcased his ability to blend creativity with practicality.
John was a dedicated member of Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church, where he engaged deeply with his community. His hobbies included playing pickleball, reading, swimming, and participating in the Oddfellows and Freemasons organizations.
John married Carolyn Jones on October 14, 1972, at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church. Their union was one of unconditional love and mutual respect until her passing. John was a loving father and grandfather, known for his unique sense of humor and his ability to use both his creativity and logical thinking to navigate life's challenges. He was also a trauma survivor who successfully broke the cycle of trauma when raising his own family.
He is survived by his daughter, Lexi Phelps; son-in-law, Robert Phelps; grandsons, Daniel and Benjamin Phelps; sister, Sue Johnson and family; brothers, Tom and Jim Woodhouse and their families; sister, Beth Woodhouse Brey and family; and brothers-in-law, Fred Jones and Robert Stahle and their families. John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Melius; sister, Jan Woodhouse; and his parents, Ruth Woodhouse and Howard Melius, along with sister-in-law, Kathleen Jones.
Memorial services for John are yet to be planned.