AJ 'Jay' Melancon, Jr.

St. Martinville - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church in St. Martinville for AJ "Jay" Melancon, Jr., 89, who passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at Landmark of Acadiana Rehabilitation Center. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at the funeral home from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm on Friday and continue on Saturday at 8:00 am until 10:30 am. A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm on Friday. Rev. Rusty P. Richard will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Scriptures will be read by Kelly Gulotta and Alli Douet. Gift bearers will be Karen D. Poirier, Katie D. Touchet, and Kristie D. Prejean. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in St. Martinville. AJ was an entrepreneur, operating a successful air conditioning and appliance business known as Jay's A/C & Appliance for 54 years servicing St. Martin Parish. He also drove a school bus for St. Martin Parish for 14 years, was a volunteer fireman for many years, and a Knights of Columbus member since early 1990's. He had a passion for carpentry work and was a meticulous painter. AJ took much pride in his work. In his early years, AJ played the guitar and was lead singer for the Evangeline Playboys. His favorite pastime was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. AJ has touched many lives and will be missed dearly. He is survived by his loving spouse of 68 years, Marian Broussard Melancon of St. Martinville; daughters, Gwen and husband Karl Douet, Sr. and Janet and husband James Douet, Jr., both of St. Martinville; son, Jonathan P. Melancon and wife Tracy of Broussard; 16 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; sister, Therese M. Latiolais; and brother, Dennis Melancon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anicet "Popcet" and Louise Gautreaux Melancon, Sr.; son, Keith Melancon; and sisters, Lena Crafton, Elsie M. Vaughn, and Mary Lou Barras. Pallbearers will be Karl J. Douet Jr., Brady J. Melancon, Kevin J. Douet, Jake A. Douet, Keith J. Douet, and Matthew J. Douet. Honorary pallbearers will be Brody M. Melancon, Kyle P. Douet, Kory M. Douet, and Andrew M. Douet. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to St. Joseph's Hospice, Landmark Rehabilitation Center, Grace Hospice, Vanessa Rodrigue, and Genevieve Trahan for the care and compassion that was given. Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville, 112 New Market St., St. Martinville, LA 70582, (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements. To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com