Jerry Arcade Melancon

Jerry Arcade Melancon

Jerry Arcade Melancon, 85, of Bridge City Texas entered into eternal rest February 2, 2025, at his home following a lengthy battle with dementia. He was born in Port Arthur TX on August 21, 1939, to parents Fred and Ruby Melancon. 

Jerry was a Master Electrician by trade retiring from American Petrofina in 1995 after 20 years of service. As a newlywed he began working at Gulfport and Livingston Shipyards then eventually on to Topco. In 1973, Jerry moved his young family to RasTanura, Saudia Arabia to work for Aramco Refinery for 4 years before returning to Bridge City and building his forever home on Cow Bayou. 

A Port Arthur boy, Jerry always dreamed of owning property on Gulfway Dr and in 1995, he fulfilled this dream when he purchased not one but two properties. There he kept his hands and mind busy as the proud owner and operator of Arcade Mini Storage and Arcade Electric. Jerry attended St. James Catholic Church and was a regular volunteer at the Hospitality Center with his sister “Pokey” in Port Arthur until his health began to decline. 

Not a man of many hobbies, Jerry did enjoy taking very slow drives to the YMCA and Planet fitness to exercise, as well as sitting on his back patio strumming on his guitar. Sailing and motorcycles were also a favorite of his although he was hard pressed to find anyone willing to go for a ride with him. Jerry would be the first to tell you that he was a bit accident prone. 

His bride Phyllis of 65 years was the center of his world, and as long as she was by his side he was a happy man. They were a team in every sense of the word, living life on their own terms through all of life’s ups and downs. He loved her beyond measure, and she loved him even more. 

Jerry’s 3 grandchildren Taylor, Bailey and Beaux were his pride and joy, and he was their #1 fan. They were each complete stars in his eyes and he would tell you as much. Nobody could put a smile on his face like they could. From binging SpongeBob, to having his nails painted and watching never ending cartwheels performed across the living room, to monitoring his “boys-only” bench in the pool. Goofy and quick-witted, with the biggest toothy grin. He was the most perfect and devoted Paw Paw. 

The only thing Jerry was better at than being a Paw Paw was being a father. Not many daughters can say that their Dad was one of their very best friends. A confidant since childhood. The one she shared almost all of her secrets with…and every hope and dream. The one who taught her to fish and drive a boat. The one she ran to with every joy and success, and with every heartbreak, when her world was falling apart. He was that father. Jerry was truly picked by God to be Leslie’s Daddy, and she loved him with all her heart.  

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Ruby Melancon, brother Freddie Melancon and sister Linda Hyde. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Phyllis Bailey Melancon; daughter, Leslie Melancon Dishon; grandchildren, Taylor Dishon, Beaux Dishon, and Bailey Dishon Hunter and husband Ashton; sister Madelyn “Pokey” Lemoine; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Last but not least, his beloved cat Herbie. 

Although Jerry always jokingly insisted that he would be buried upright in the backyard facing his beloved bayou. Jerry will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange Texas, with a gravesite service only, on Thursday February 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. 

Gravesite service under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange Texas.