Rev Alfredo V. Melendez, Sr. received his calling from his Lord and Savior on December 11, 2017, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. His profound devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his last moments of breath, ultimately giving him peace and comfort.
Rev Melendez was born to the late Antonio and Guadalupe Vallejo Melendez in Brownsville, TX on March 10, 1933. As a young adult, he was immersed in a Christian environment that would become his lifelong support and passion to fulfill his compassionate obligations as a pastor. He served in the Military Branch of the United States Air Force stationed in Lackland AirForce Base in San Antonio, TX. His military orders of deployment duties were assigned in Anchorage, Alaska. Upon return of his military service he met an elaborate classy young lady, polished with a princess-style petticoat dress, attending to a customer at a local McCroy's department store. He approached her with a proposal that would later become his future legacy. Although the answer that was given to him by this classy lady was not what he wanted to hear, he pursued his devotion of gaining her love and approval. As was told to us by our parents, the proposal was stated as such, "Hi, Mrs. Melendez" as she turned around, she replied with a question and ending with an interjection "Mrs. Melendez, Are you crazy? Never!" was the response that sparked a 61 year marriage, leading to six children, eighteen grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren. This endearing love that was shared by the two was a love story of countless memories that resonates the profound biblical meaning of God's love.
In the early seventies, he began his ministerial love to serve others as is quoted in Mark 10 verse 45 of the New Living Translation, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." He and his wife worked diligently together building the foundation of their church, both structurally and spiritually. Rev Melendez, also known as Bro Francis, touched many lives through the countless powerful sermons which resonated through many of the church members in a most seemingly real life experience in those biblical times of the many wonderful miracles Jesus performed. He was known to many as a loving devoted pastor, traveling miles to visit a member in need of prayers, demonstrating compassion for the hurt, health to the sick, shelter or financial assistance to the hopeless, and most importantly becoming a fisherman for God's children. His greatest gift was the endless love he shared among everyone he met. He loved with an agape approach.
He is preceded in death by his beloved beautiful daughter Sylvia Melendez; Christopher James Limon, grandson; and Jeremiah Matthew Rodriguez, great grandson.
Rev Melendez, also known to his children as "Deddy", Father, and Papa (most desirable in his eyes), is survived by the love of his life and faithful wife of 61 years, Mrs. Hilaria S. Melendez, his daughters Clara Marie Melendez and Teresa (Freddy) Moya; his sons Al Melendez, Jr., Jesse Melendez, and John (Cindy) Melendez; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dad always carried a special place in his beautiful heart for his adorable granddaughter, Priscilla Rodriguez, also known to him as his "Consentida" and "Piti Piti Mama" who through the time of his quadruple bypass passionately cared for her grandpa with the utmost compassion. The two always shared special moments bonding together over cossie and pie and visits to the department stores. His love for her was immeasurable.
Rev Melendez wished a special request of appreciation and sincere acknowledgement for the bond that was created with his granddaughter, Evette Garcia. It was a very unique and loving relationship that developed over the past eighteen years with many memorable conversations and phrases which included "BOY" and "Oh, come on". Officer Garcia would assist her grandpa with many of his past medical appointments, long distance trips, and just recently would assist patrolling his residence in her police unit.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Angel Bright Hospice, Inc for their unconditional love and support for our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa; Additionally, to his favorite hospice nurse, Jessica Gomez, for the countless hours of providing special healthcare with a compassionate and sincere heart.
Active Pallbearers are Al Melendez Jr, Jesse Melendez, John Melendez, Ezekiel Ramirez, Jesse Melendez Jr, Stephen Brambila, Christopher Brambila, and John Melendez, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers are Priscilla Delilah Rodriguez, Joshua Melendez, Joziah Rodriguez, Jeremiah Garcia, and Jeremiah Luster. Public visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. Monday, December 18, 2017 at Guardian funeral home chapel "A" with a Prayer service to be held at 7:00 p.m.  Funeral Services for Rev. Melendez will be conducted by his son Rev. John Melendez at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Guardian funeral home chapel. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Coastal Bend State Veterans cemetery.