Joseph Oswald Melancon

Joseph Oswald “J. O.” Melancon passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025 at the age of 101.

Mr. Melancon was born January 31, 1924 in New Orleans where he attended Sacred Heart Catholic school. His family moved to Franklin when he was nine. There he attended Crowell Elementary and Franklin High School. He graduated from SLI (ULL) in Lafayette. While there he served as Student Body President and was active in many school activities.

As a young educator he moved to Morgan City where he developed the system’s first guidance counselling program. While working, he earned a master’s degree from LSU and later took graduate level courses at Nicholls State University. J. O. used that knowledge to assist students through the first Guidance Program in St. Mary Parish Schools at MCHS and then as the first principal of M. E. Norman Elementary. His knowledge was again recognized when he was promoted to the St. Mary Parish School Board office. There he served as visiting teacher, truancy officer and Supervisor of Child Welfare. His knowledge and service to the parish also included establishing the special education, speech therapy and general health services departments.

After retirement, he pursued interests in real estate and construction before returning to his love of the school system by being elected to serve multiple terms as a member of the St. Mary Parish School Board. During his tenure as an elected official, he served as the Finance Committee Chairman and was instrumental in initiating and completing many projects including the building of the MCHS multi-purpose gymnasium which is named after his long-time friend and board member Ogden “Oggie” Stansbury.

Along with his scholarly interests, Mr. Melancon was an earnest and long-time Rotarian. His devotion to the ideals of Rotary led him to hold many offices in the organization. His ties with education drew him to introducing, and yearly producing, the New Generation program. This program encourages high school students from across the parish to become involved in local government by studying and presenting ways to bring fresh ideas to improve the lives of all people in their community. As “community stakeholders” students present to those who can take ownership with the students to bring ideas to fruition.

In his earlier years, he was active with the Boy Scouts, taught Introduction to Computers at G. W. Hamilton School, was a member of the Krewe of Hephaestus and the Les Amie Dance Club.

J. O. is survived by his wife of 44 years, Evelyn Seyschab Roy, and children R. Scott Melancon (Cecilia Clark), Joseph Melancon, Dieter Roy (Stephanie Pitre), and Cindy Roy Cloutier (Charles). He also leaves behind grandchildren Brian Melancon (Kathleen), Stephen Melancon (Erin), Laura Melancon and Detrice Roy Smither, as well as great grandchildren Audrey Melancon, Cohen Melancon, William Smither and Cooper Smither.

Mr. Melancon was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Thompson, son John Melancon, parents, George and Almeida Sowards Melancon, brother, Severin Clavel “S. C.”, and sisters Yvette Walker and Barbara Laurent.

Special appreciation to Sandi, Raychel, Joslynn, Qunnita, and Agape Care Group for their kindness and gentle care.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 14 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church with mass following at 11:00. Interment will follow at the Morgan City Cemetery. Arrangements are through Twin City Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Morgan City Rotary Club, Inc. at P. O. Box 2171, Morgan City, LA 70381.