Obituary of Roy Layton Melius

Roy Layton Melius, lived a full 80 years of life prior to his passing on Saturday, May 3^rd, 2025.

Roy was a lover of the outdoors and enjoyed many hunting and fishing adventures throughout his life. He was a lover of wildlife art, duck decoys and once was the president of the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Roy proudly served in the Marines as a crew chief on combat helicopter with honor during the Vietnam war. He was in over two hundred combat missions. His dedication to duty and the men during rescue missions on the helicopter never wavered. Many trips to the VA Hospital, he would often be asked what branch he was in, and he would respond “there is only one” of course that followed with a grin and a little laugh.

While living in Colorado Roy was part of a group of concerned veterans who saw a need for medical and mental health services. Out of that concern, he was primarily responsible for creating Veterans for Veterans (Vets4Vets) of Archuleta County, an organization that formed in 2011. He wrote many letters to various legislators advocating funding to better veterans’ lives. There are now 250 members. They have received a grant from the state for the last 10 years. Roy was fortunate enough to visit last summer and re-connect with this special group of individuals and speak at their monthly meeting.

Roy spent the last 13 years living in Vietnam part time where he found peace in giving back to the country that had such an impact on him during the war. His Vietnam family and community brought him so much joy. He often said being in Vietnam was his therapy. He helped multiple families and children during his time there. His impact will not be forgotten.

Roy was a people person and a good friend. He could talk with anyone and enjoyed a good conversation. He loved a good meal of steak, lobster and of course Pepsi, watching golf on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and the buffalo slot machines! May he find many coins and bonus rounds in heaven.

Roy is survived by wife Thu Truong of Vietnam and children Mark Melius, Linda McNamara, Melissa Melius, Svea Steinert, Annie Truong and Tony Truong.

Semper Fi, Marine. Your tour is done. Rest in Peace and fly high where the wind takes you.