Dale Lee Melton

Services are 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at New Hope Baptist Church, East Hwy. 64, with the Rev. Bob Long and the Rev. Richard Prater officiating. Burial is in New Hope Cemetery, Louisburg, with full military rites. Arrangements are under the direction of Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at Montgomery Viets Chapel. Escorts are Bob Burns, Donnie McDaniel, Bill Monday, Dwight Nyberg, Jess Stafford, Charlie Tilton and Randy Walker. Dale Lee Melton, 76, was born Oct. 28, 1933, the son of Roy H. and Edna P. (Blevins) Melton. He died Feb. 14, 2010, following a long battle with emphysema. He graduated from Tunas High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, receiving an honorable discharge. He was married to Millie (House) for 53 years. He was a good provider for his family. He started working for Campbell “66” Express in Kansas City and was able to transfer to the Springfield terminal after two and one-half years. He worked for Campbell “66” for 23 years, and spent the last 15 driving a semi, the last 10 years driving from Springfield to Dallas, Texas, three trips a week. He made many friends working for Campbell “66” and spent many hours talking on the CB radio. His CB handle was Hoot Owl. He listened to country music and particularly enjoyed Connie Smith’s “Clinging To a Saving Hand.” The lyrics are “Sing me a song of praise and glory, Help this wanderin’ child to understand, that when I close my eyes in sleep eternal, I’ll be clinging to a Saving Hand.” It was the song that Bill Mac signed off with every day on his radio show, and Dale would often comment on the message of the song. He was saved at an early age and exhibited a kind and caring heart. As he prepared for retirement in 1980, he and his wife built Melton’s 64-73 Jct. He loved to visit with people. He looked forward to seeing them at the store and at home. Friends were a cherished gift. He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Claude and Lona House; three brothers: Bertram Melton, Buel Melton and George Melton; and a granddaughter, Christina L. Melton. Survivors include his wife, Millie; his three children: Mildred “Pud” Webb, Ronnie and wife, Patrice Melton, and Donnie and wife, Teresa Melton; his grandchildren: Mark Webb, Kevin Webb, Amanda Loftis, Ronnie D. Melton II, Rebecca Melton, Alicia Melton, Ryan Melton, Lindsay Melton and Morgan Melton; a great-granddaughter, Abbigale Loftis; two sisters: Beulah Lusk, Eureka, and Shirley Green, Springfield; two brothers: Bill and wife, Crystal Melton, Springfield, and Kenneth and wife, Carlene Melton, St. Charles; a brother-in-law, Vernon and wife, Paqui House, Goose Creek, S.C.; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Dale Lee Melton

October 28, 1933 - February 14, 2010