VIDALIA — Mel Reid knows her father was a hero. She has no doubts.

For many, her father’s heroism stemmed from his achievements as a Navy pilot during World War II. For Reid, J.L. Deprato Jr. was a hero on the home front, and for that she will be forever grateful.

When The Dart landed on Holly Street in Vidalia Wednesday, Mel and her husband Derrell were enjoying the cool weather trimming back a few plants in their front yard.

Tuesday, they plan to plant American flags at Deprato’s grave and the graves of other veterans at the Natchez City Cemetery.

They do this every Veterans Day.

Deprato flew a seaplane in the Pacific, performing search and rescue operations.

“They would fly at night, with no lights on inside or out,” Derrell said. “He would rescue people out of the ocean when they crashed.”

Like many World War II veterans, Deprato didn’t talk about his experiences in the war, Mel said. What stories he did tell, helped confirm what she already knew.

“I think the men he picked up in the ocean thought he was a hero,” Mel said. “But he was more than military hero to me. He was a family hero.”

When Mel’s mother Katherine was diagnosed with lung cancer, Deprato took constant care of her during her illness.

“He fed her and did everything by himself,” Mel said.

The few moments that he would have for himself were spent traveling into town doing the grocery shopping and other errands. On his way back, he would pick up a sandwich for himself and then return home to take care of his wife. He was never gone for long, Mel said.

“He deeply cared for and loved her,” Mel said. “We all know the sacrifices he made for taking care of my mom.”

The cancer was removed after surgery to remove one of her lungs, but complications from the surgery resulted in many more years of care. In all, Deprato was Katherine’s caregiver for nearly 10 years, Mel said.

“You are just forever grateful,” Mel said.

Mel’s mom and dad lived together in Ferriday until they could no longer take care of each other and moved into a nursing home in Baton Rouge.

Deprato died in 2004, and Katherine died in 2009. The two were married for 62 years.

When they visit the cemetery each Veterans Day, the Reids also make a point of visiting the graves of “Dutch” Beard and Buddy Lancaster, a couple of Depratos buddies who also were veterans.

“I am proud of anybody who fought in the war, especially my dad and his buddies,” Mel said.