Theo Melvin Jr

Theo (Ted) Wyatt Melvin lived an impressive 94 -years just the way he wanted – independent and on his own two feet.
Ted moved to the east coast of Florida in 1949 from Columbus, Georgia. He moved here because he was stationed at what was then called the Banana River Air Force Station, later renamed Patrick Air Force Base, now named Patrick Space Force Station.
It was while he was stationed at Patrick AFB, he met the love of his life, Bonita (Bonnie) Kittles who he married in June of 1951 and remained married an amazing 65 year until her death in 2016. Ted enjoyed sharing stories from when he first arrived in Florida and especially after he married Bonnie. They made their home in Titusville, but like many young people at that time, they had no car. He would have to hitchhike or catch rides with other people heading to work at Patrick Air Force Base. He would describe traveling down two lane A1A sometimes on the back of a motorcycle fighting the swarms of mosquitoes and picking bugs out of his teeth.
Ted spent 22 years in the Air Force including a tour in Viet Nam. While in the Air Force, he was stationed at bases such as Goose Bay Labrador, Newfoundland, Canada; Kansas; Tennessee; as well as two bases in Florida.
He took pleasure in the simple things, sitting by the river at Sandpoint Park in the evening watching the boats and the people walking along the river, finding the restaurant with the best coconut shrimp to eat, or simply eating ice cream on a warm afternoon. He knew that God had given him a special gift in the life that he had and he thanked him every day for it.
Ted is survived by his daughters: Deborah Melvin, Karen Onovi (Joe), and Patricia Ritter (Donald). He was "Poppie" to his grandchildren that include Heather Kenney (Justin); Danyelle Weatherford (Wayne); Zachary Onovi (Julia); Kyle Beville (Alexandra); and Keith Ritter. His adorable Great grandchildren are Mia Kenney, Evie Kenney; Wyatt Weatherford, Molly Weatherford; Rylee Beville, Caysen Beville and River Beville the "Grands" were the sunshine in Poppie's twilight years. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theo, please visit our floral store.