Roll Call Tribute

Walter Daniel Melnyk 

August 26, 1976 - February 8, 2026 

Walter Daniel Melnyk, a devoted husband & father and respected member of his community and the Bryan Police Department departed from this earthly home and continued his eternal life in Heaven on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at the age of 49. After a courageous battle with leukemia, Walt passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and children.

Walt was born August 26, 1976 in Morgantown, WV to Walter & Margaret (Peggy) Melnyk. As an Air Force Family, Walt, his parents and sister, Christa, moved throughout the country and abroad until they settled in Arlington, TX where his parents still reside today.

Walt’s dedication to public service began in 1999 when he joined the Bryan Police Department. For more than 2 decades, his career was marked by excellence in all he did, the relationships he built, and his deep care and commitment to the city he served. He was awarded numerous awards and commendations throughout his career and held many positions and titles, earning his way to Assistant Chief of Police, but he would tell you that the most important quality he would want to be remembered by at PD is his genuine care for those he worked with and for.

Education was an important aspect of Walt’s life. Whether formally or informally, he was always learning, always growing, always pushing himself to be better. Walt graduated from Martin High School in 1994, then joined the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 1998, earning his bachelor’s degree in History. While at Texas A&M he was in the Corps of Cadets and a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and an integral member of the outfit A Company, where he was selected as Freshman Orientation Week Cadre to teach & mold new cadets. His senior year, he was selected for the prestigious position of Bugle Rank Member which leads the Aggie Band in their precision marching performances. His time at Texas A&M University was where he gained lifelong buddies and experiences that shaped the man he was. Walt later obtained a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Leadership & Management from Sam Houston State University, graduating in May of 2022.

Walt was an ‘all-in’ kind of man. Whether it was work, school, family, friendships, ministry, or hobbies. Whatever he did, he did it 110 percent and you never had to follow up. He did what he said he would do, with kindness and genuine care. He is remembered for outstanding character, integrity, compassion and an unwavering faith.

Walt was an avid outdoorsman and cared deeply about taking care of himself physically and spiritually; always growing as a husband, father and friend. These hobbies and core beliefs led him to be a part of The Wilderness Experience (TWE), a men’s ministry that is dedicated to empowering men, by way of backcountry adventures, to identify both who they have become and how they can maximize their calling for God, their family, and community. Walt’s participation with TWE as a traveler and a guide, was one of his greatest joys and passions. These experiences challenged him to be a disciple who drew nearer to The Lord, to lead his family well and with intention, and to point others to Christ through the way he lived his life.

Above all, Walt was an immensely devoted husband to Melissa and father to Katie and Colton. His love for his Lord and his family was his motivation for all that he did. He loved and led them well for all of his days, pointing them to Christ, spending intentional time with them, challenging them to see others fully and to love people right where they are. He has left them with enough love for a lifetime and his legacy will be carried on and honored for all of their days.

Left to honor Walt’s memory are his wife Melissa, daughter Katie, son Colton, parents Walt & Peggy Melnyk, sister Christa Hines and husband Jason, nephews Nolan & Drew Hines, In-Laws Melody & Kevin Lauchley, Mark & Terri Howard, Jeremy Howard and wife Kristin, niece Brooklyn Howard, nephew William J. Howard, and numerous other family members, and a host of friends who have become family over the years. We love you, Walt. Always Forward.