Last Trap

This page is dedicated to those who recently passed.....

Passing of Gregory F. “Melon” Lloyd, CDR (Ret.)
Passing of LT Chris Burton (VS-21)
Passing of Thomas House Sr., CDR (ret)

Additional details below

Passing of Gregory F. "Melon" Lloyd, CDR (Ret)

Gregory F. “Melon” Lloyd, CDR (Ret.) left for his final deployment on March 4, 2025, ending a hard fought battle with Parkinson’s disease. Though he won by going somewhere the disease can no longer find him, and not by living forever as his family would have liked, his body and mind are at peace, so it’s declared a victory.

Growing up in Detroit, Greg loved Motown and spent years perfecting his James Brown impersonation. He was an athlete and an avid outdoorsman. He saw beauty in nature and found joy on the water and in the air.

His sense of adventure led him to a 20-year career as a naval aviator, where his head size earned him specially made flight helmets and the call sign “Melon.” And while he never saw combat, he spent years protecting the South Texas skies from Russian MiGs and cruising around the Med.

Even more than his military career, Greg was proud of his 51-year marriage to Mary. The couple met during their freshman year at Eastern Michigan University, and they spent the rest of their lives facing adventures and challenges with equal vigor. There aren’t words to adequately describe her devotion to him, spending countless hours and days and nights in care facilities. Yes, she was fiercely advocating for his care, but really she just enjoyed his company.

Greg was a loving dad to Scott and Emily, who have amassed a fortune in stories because of their father’s tenacious spirit and impeccable comedic timing. Greg was tremendously proud of his kids, reveling in their accomplishments. And he truly loved every minute of being Papa to his grandkids – teaching them how to bait a hook, throw a baseball, and the simple joy of playing in the backyard.

Greg is survived by his wife Mary, son Scott (Siyao) Lloyd, daughter Emily (Paul) Watson, grandchildren Lanna, Alexandra, and Elliot, and siblings Chip, Matt, and Monica. He is preceded in death by his parents, Patricia Lloyd Richey and Charles “Chuck” Lloyd, stepparents, and grandson Isaac Lloyd Watson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/ or National Parks Foundation (https://www.nationalparks.org/).

A Graveside Service will be held at Friday, April 18, 2025 2:00 pm Jacksonville National Cemetery 4083 Lannie Road Jacksonville, FL 32218

Fair winds and following seas.

Obit link: https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/austin-tx/gregory-lloyd-12270330

Passing of LT Christopher Donald Burton

It is with great sadness to pass along Chris Burton, 59, of Southland Texas; passed away February 26, 2025.

Christopher Donald Burton, 59, passed away on February 26, 2025 in Southlake, Tx.

A devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend, Chris lived a life marked by service, dedication and love.

Born on Dec 16, 1965, Chris grew up in Euclid, Oh and graduated from Euclid High School in 1984. He went on to earn two bachelor’s degrees in math and physics from THE Ohio State University in 1989 and a masters degree in physics from Texas A & M.

Following his education, Chris served proudly in the US Navy as a naval aviator for ten years, flying a S-3 Viking off an aircraft carrier. After his distinguished service as a lieutenant he transitioned into commercial aviation, beginning his career with United in 1999 before joining Delta on 2000 until the present as a captain.

Chris is survived by his loving wife Bei, his children Grace and Harrison, his mother June and his brothers Ken and Scott. He is also fondly remembered by his uncles Ed and Don, cousin Ainsley, nieces Emily and Amey and nephew Adam.

Funeral service will be in Dallas on March 20th. A full military service burial will be on March 21st at DFW International Cemetery with all military honors. A memorial service will be held in Euclid, Oh at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in Chris’s honor.

https://www.news-herald.com/obituaries/christopher-donald-burton-southlake-tx/

Passing of CDR Thomas V. House Sr. (ret)

Commander Thomas V. House, Sr., USN (Ret.), 89, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, love, and devotion to family.

Born in Portsmouth, VA, on January 30, 1936, to Sherwood and Sophia House, Tom lived a life marked by honor, duty, and a deep commitment to his country.

A proud patriot, Tom’s military career began with over six years in the Naval Reserves while he attended Virginia Polytechnical Institute. He graduated in 1961 with a degree in mechanical engineering before being commissioned into the U.S. Navy that same year. He earned his wings in 1963 and went on to fly the S-3A during the Cold War, serving his country with distinction for 26 years. After retiring from active duty, he remained dedicated to naval aviation as a flight simulator instructor at Whiting Field, mentoring the next generation of aviators.

Tom was not only a dedicated officer but also a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Glenda Cross House. Their love was unwavering, and her passing in 2023 left a void in his heart that could never be filled. Together, they raised two children, Tommy House Jr. and Jennifer House, whom he cherished deeply.

He found joy in life’s simple pleasures – playing golf, tending to his yard, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.

Tom is survived by his beloved children, Tommy Jr. and Jennifer; his sister, Polly Reynolds; and his three granddaughters, Amelia, Sophie, and Lily Powell. He also leaves behind cherished lifelong friends, the Dugas and Blackwelder families, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Fair winds and following seas, Commander. You will be deeply missed.

A Visitation will be held 1:00pm – 2:00pm Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Immediately following a police escorted cortege will depart for a 2:30pm Committal Service at Barrancas National Cemetery, with full Navy Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Heart Association in his memory.

https://www.pilotonline.com/obituaries/cdr-thomas-v-house-sr-usn-ret-pensacola-fl/