Francis Melancon

Francis Clay Melancon, age 74, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 27, 2017.

Francis was a 1961 graduate of Romeville High School in Romeville, Louisiana. After marrying the love of his life, Celeste Gaudet, Francis joined the United States Navy, where he served as a Hard-Hat diver in the Pacific Ocean. Francis enjoyed a 30 year career with the United Steelworkers of America, where he rose to the rank of International Representative and Sub-District Director. His ability to negotiate complex issues and contracts was the savior of many a union member's job, a fact of which he was very proud. Francis was a graduate of the Harvard University School of Labor Relations. He cherished time spent with family, especially his grandchildren.

Francis is survived by his wife of 55 years, Celeste Melancon; his children, Gary Melancon, Maria and Zachary Smith, Lori and David Clarke; his sister, Rita and Lyle Mire; his brother, Floyd Melancon; and grandchildren, Ashlyn and Madalyn Verrett, and Audrey, Andrew, and Ethan Clarke.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Clairborne and Mary Ann Melancon.

Visiting hours will take place at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 12424 Brogdon Lane in Baton Rouge on May 2, 2017, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., followed by a Mass. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the family and friends who supported us in this time of sorrow.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Visitation

St. Patrick Catholic Church
12424 Brogdon Lane
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Service

Mass of Christian Burial

St. Patrick Catholic Church
12424 Brogdon Lane
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
1:00 pm

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816