Luis Ricardo Melendez, 81, of Douglas, Arizona, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2017 peacefully in his home. Born on April 3, 1935 in Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico to Luis H. Melendez and Guadalupe Cabrera Melendez, Luis lived most of his life in Douglas, AZ after emigrating from Orizaba in July of 1942. Luis joined the Army in 1953 shortly after finishing school. He served for 5 years, a part of that time being in the Korean War. Luis continued proudly serving his country throughout his life in both the Reserves and the National Guard up until 1991 when he was re-activated for a short time for the Gulf War. Luis married Maria E. Samaniego in 1958. Together they were blessed with nine children. Luis was an active member of the American Legion and loved spending time with his grandchildren. Luis is survived by his wife Maria, of Douglas; his children: Juan (Nadia) of Douglas, Fred (Rosaria) of Tucson, Mauro (Becky) of Douglas, Alonso, Servando, and Gloria Melendez and Sandra Glassner of Douglas; 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren with one expected in August, 4 of his 6 siblings, many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Luis was preceded in death by his parents, 2 siblings, his son Ramon who died as an infant, and his son Gustavo. He was devoted to his family, his country and his religion. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at Brown Page Mortuary. A Rosary for Luis will be recited at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at St. Luke's Catholic Church. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated following the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. also at St. Luke's Church with Father Armando Espinoza officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors by the Fort Huachuca Honor Guard, The American Legion and VFW. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Luis's name to St. Luke's or St. Bernard's Catholic Church.