LTC (Ret.) Hector Noel Melendez

LTC (retired) Hector Noel Melendez went to be with the Lord on September 29, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jose Melendez, mother Francesca Melendez, sister Marta Johnson, and son LTC (retired) Michael Melendez.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gloria Jean Melendez; son, Mark Melendez (Lisa); daughter Lynda Melendez; daughter, Janita (Matt) Robinson; daughter Marta Willoughby (Justin); grandson Ben Melendez; granddaughter Beth Porter; grandson David Melendez; granddaughter Glorianna Fennel; granddaughter Karrah Pinate; granddaughter Jannah Little; grandson Nolan Willoughby; granddaughter Vivian Willoughby; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Dad loved the Lord, his family and music. It was amazing that although Dad may not have remembered two minutes prior, he always knew the words to nearly every song he heard and sang along in perfect harmony. Dad was a helicopter pilot for the US Army and flew and repaired helicopters during the Vietnam War. He didn’t talk much about his experiences there until the last couple of years, so we were amazed to hear some of the things that Dad saw and experienced there. Dad’s last tour of duty with the Army sent him to Kingsville, Texas to manage the ROTC program at Texas A&M University. His picture still hangs there in the ROTC building. He retired from the Army in 1983. He, Mom and Marta all moved to San Antonio where he began his second career as the Jr. ROTC Instructor at Burbank High School.

Dad led the music at several churches over the years with his guitar and booming voice. He had one of the prettiest singing voices. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all of his heart and we know that he and Mike are dancing the streets of gold together now.

Dad will be buried at the Funderburk Family Cemetery in Palestine, Texas.

Services are pending.