William Fred Melaun's Obituary
William F. (Bill) Melaun was the first baby born in Dallas on New Year’s Day, 1923. He spent his early years in Dallas, moved to California and Arkansas during the Great Depression, and then returned to Dallas as a teenager. He showed exceptional artistic talent as a child and studied commercial art at Dallas Technical High School. It was there that he met the love of his life, Billie Faye. Upon graduation, he married and joined the U. S. Army Air Corps. During WWII, he proudly served his country in the European Theater of Operations as a 2nd Lt. and co-pilot on board a B24 Liberator with the 8th Air Force, 491st Bomb Group. Married for over 66 years, he was the beloved father of Janet Scarcella (and husband, John) and Greg Melaun (and wife, Karen). His son, Fred, died in 1989. Bill was Granddad of four “grands” -Jason, Jennifer, Taylor, and Jessica- and six “great-grands” – Ethan, Aubrey, Grace, Evan, Grayson, and Brooklynn. The family circle always included Bill and Gwen Blair and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bill’s family was his greatest joy and he encouraged and took pride in their accomplishments, attending countless athletic events and musical performances through the years. Bill had a remarkable work ethic and commitment to artistic excellence, working as a master engraver and graphic designer for 60 years. He was active as member of the United Methodist Church, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School. He was a gentle-spirited man who gave of himself unselfishly to family, friends, and co-workers. The family is grateful for the compassionate care given Bill by the doctors and nurses at The Hospice at the Texas Medical Center/Houston where Bill died peacefully on September 1. Friends and family are invited to the Visitation on Monday, September 7 from 6 to 8 pm at Restland and to the Graveside Service on Tuesday, September 8 at 12:00 noon at Restland. The burial will be followed by a 12:30 pm Memorial Service at Restland’s Wildwood Chapel celebrating Bill’s life. Memorials in Bill’s honor may be made to Houston Hospice (www.houstonhospice.org) or to the Collings Foundation (www.collingsfoundation.org).
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