John Robert Melson

John Robert Melson, 65, of Celebration, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 15, 2026, at home with his loving family.

John was born in Tipton, IN on May 3, 1961, blessing Ralph and Mary Melson with their only child.

He spent 37 years serving the public of Noblesville and Tipton, IN as a Firefighter and Training Officer, retiring in 2017 with the rank of Lieutenant. John also owned and operated several businesses over the last 20 years.

A life-long resident of Indiana, he was thrilled to move to sunny, picturesque Celebration, Florida, post-retirement. There he spent his time alongside his beloved wife and family, enjoying all that retirement had to offer.

He lived each day to the fullest. Waking before the rest of the house to walk his faithful German Shepherd, Lorde Halligan, John seized every moment of each day.

He enjoyed long walks and bike rides with his family, swimming in the ocean and stargazing. Never one to turn down a good fishing trip, he loved to share stories of past trips to the Great Lakes with his big brother George. John enjoyed a good debate and was an avid reader who never lost his thirst for knowledge. He was fascinated by space, science, military history, the concept of time and religion. All of which came in handy for his trivia teams!

Some of his favorite things to do included impromptu dinners with family members and friends, endless fire pit and front porch philosophy sessions, long drives through countrysides and along coastlines with his wife, Christina, hiking in state parks with his children Kiera and Kodi and later making his way through National Parks and military museums across the nation with his son, Harrison.

He was blessed to have spent much time with all three of his children in his favorite vacation spot, Walt Disney World and was overjoyed when they all ended up living close by him in Florida.

In his later years, he enjoyed volunteering with the National Honor Flight and stayed in touch with his Veteran heroes well after their trips to Washington, DC. John was a true lover of music and was convinced, with few exceptions, that no good music was produced after 1979! In retirement, his favorite activity was his daily golf cart rides with his family and faithful canine companion.

A dependable and honorable man, John was as big in spirit as he was in stature. His towering presence was rivaled only by his deeply generous heart, endless curiosity, and unwavering kindness toward others. He was a true friend to all.

John is survived by his wife of over 25 years, Christina Melson; their son, whom he considered his best friend, Harrison; his daughter Kiera and her husband Chris Palmieri; his son Kodi and his husband Ryan; two grandchildren, Evan and Kamryn; as well as several sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and countless friends.

A celebration of life will be planned in the near future.