Jonathon Ray Candelaria, 37, Orange

Jonathon Ray Candelaria, 37, of Orange, Texas, passed away on January 28, 2024, at home. Jon was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on June 28, 1986, to proud parents Leandro Candelaria and Denna Funderburk Baronet (Candelaria). He was a resident of Orange with his loving wife, Melanie James. Jon loved visiting family and friends more than anything. He loved to go swimming and canoeing, listening to music and drawing his artwork. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, collecting coins and sport cards, and traveling. Often you could find him watching movies and cuddling his wife and dogs in bed. Jon often called it his safe place and the best time of the day. When Jon graduated, he joined the United States Army. After he completed the Army, he started work and a family. Jon was loved and cherished by many. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Leandro “Papa Joe” Candelaria, Jr., and Joseph Clyde Arabie.

Those left to cherish Jon’s memory are his wife, Melanie James; father, Leandro Candelaria; mother, Denna Funderburk Baronet; sister, Brandi Candelaria; children, Kindra Candelaria and Kaitlynn Thibodeaux; father-in-law, Talmadge James; sister-in-law, Dana James; grandmothers, Wonder Arabie and Carol Strahan; grandfather, Hubie Funderburk; very special family who were like brother and sister, Hope and Francisco Pagan; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles; and his beloved dogs, Cujo Ann and Temple. Jon will be deeply missed and forever loved by all that knew him. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.