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Frank Melton Obituary
Melton died at a Jackson hospital with his wife by his side, city spokeswoman Goldia Revies told The Associated Press.
Melton had a history of serious heart problems, but officials have declined to say if that's what sent him to the hospital Tuesday, shortly after polls closed. Melton's attorney John Reeves said it was up to the family to disclose the cause of death.
"I am going to respect the mayor's privacy even in death," Reeves said.
At an emergency meeting Wednesday, the City Council tapped its president, Leslie Burl McLemore, to be acting mayor.
Unofficial results show Melton came in third of nine candidates. The top two finishers — Harvey Johnson, the former mayor Melton unseated in 2005, and city Councilman Marshand Crisler — advanced to a May 19 runoff.
Trial had been set to start Monday for Melton and a former bodyguard, who each faced two federal civil rights charges related to a sledgehammer attack on a duplex on Aug. 26, 2006, that Melton considered a crackhouse.
It would have been their second trial. A judge declared a mistrial in the first case in February after a jury failed to reach a verdict.
Melton had a serious heart condition that sent him to the hospital several times in recent years, including for bypass surgery.
Melton's first federal trial was postponed while he was treated for his heart condition and he looked gaunt and tired through much of that trial. His doctor testified at the time that he was in "end stage cardiomyopathy." She said she recommended a heart transplant, but Melton refused to get on a donor list.
He and the bodyguard, Jackson police officer Michael Recio, were both acquitted in April 2007 on state charges related to the raid.
Melton came to Mississippi from Tyler, Texas, in the 1980s to run NBC affiliate WLBT-TV. He soon made a name for himself with an opinion piece called "The Bottom Line" in which he called out criminals and verbally attacked city officials he considered ineffective.
"And that, my friends, is the bottom line," became his catchphrase.
His wife, a pediatrician, and his two children stayed behind in Texas, prompting vicious rumors about his personal life. Melton brushed aside criticism, and did things his own, sometimes unusual way.
He became a fixture in poor neighborhoods, where he would talk to youngsters about personal accountability and hard work. He tried to broker a cease fire among gangs and volunteered as a swim instructor at an area YMCA.
He was elected by a landslide in 2005 after campaigning on a tough-on-crime platform. Since then, however, he was hounded by legal problems related to his unorthodox tactics.
Prosecutors say he was drunk on scotch and power when he ordered a group of young men — some with criminal records — to destroy the duplex in a poor neighborhood. Melton said he was only trying rid the city of a drug den.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
138 Entries
October 15, 2017
Frank, you are missed.
Mike Ranado
January 26, 2013
Frank was a good man, sorry I never met him.
Tracey Wright
February 26, 2011
Frank was a mentor and role model to me sorry of his passing and my sister and I think of him everyday.
How you can show support
Jon Justice
Jon justice
June 24, 2010
having grown up with Frank and his brothers in the 60's, I recently found out about his passing.I would like to mention he will be missed sorely. God bless you brother man and keep you close to his/her busom.
IN FRANKS GARAGE
October 29, 2009
WEDDING AT FRANK'S HOUSE
October 29, 2009
FRANK'S DOG
October 29, 2009
TRININCER
October 29, 2009
CHARDONAE
October 29, 2009
WEDDING AT FRANK'S
October 29, 2009
WEDDING AT FRANKS
October 29, 2009
THE DAY AFTER MY MOMMA'S FUNERAL'
October 29, 2009
Sandra Johnson
June 5, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Sonja Girn
May 22, 2009
To God be the glory for the things he has done,God knew that Frank was tired so he called him to his heavenly home. He will be missed but remember he was an angel on earth and he is definitely one in heaven with Abby by his side. May God bless you and keep you.
Adriennikki Henley
May 21, 2009
May God bless you Frank!!!
kyrann haynes
May 21, 2009
love ya frank
typhany peacherson
May 21, 2009
love ya frank
Jean Allen
May 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
The Payne Family
May 18, 2009
Dr. Melton, You and the rest of the Family have been in my thoughts and prayers for a while now. Between Cynthia and one of Marilyn's friends, Dr. A. Winters, I have always asked about you all. I'm here everyday and Cynthia has my contact information. Call me anytime for any reason. My oldest is finishing up her senior year of high school and my youngest has 2 sitters so, I have some free time.
rebecca furnace
May 18, 2009
may god continue to comfort the melton family at this sad time.
Jo Anne Pierson
May 15, 2009
Ellen my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.May God continue to bless and give you comfort in the days ahead.
SHERRY YOUNGBLOOD-CASTLE
May 15, 2009
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART.
May 15, 2009
god called frank home ,he needed a good seed to plant in his garden, so that the soil could plentish.
Paige McGee
May 14, 2009
It would have been such an honor to have personally met Mayor Melton, even before he was mayor. He is an icon and was a great inspiration to many. I was born and raised in Jackson and even though I now live in Brandon, Jackson is my home. My husband & I both own businesses there and I admired Mr. Melton tremendously. May God be with the Melton family during this time. Mr. Melton, you are truly missed.
Keetaboo
May 14, 2009
My Dearest Loved one:
I received your Letter from Heaven,
It made the teardrops fall.
But knowing you’re with God above,
Sweet memories, I will recall.
I know that you are with me,
For I feel your presence near.
And if I listen closely,
Your voice I then can hear.
I know you’re watching o’er me,
As you promised you would do.
And when I feel so saddened,
It’s your letter that sees me through.
When I lay in bed at night,
The day’s chores put to flight,
I truly feel your presence,
Like a warm and glowing light.
The rocky roads you mentioned,
And the hills that I must climb;
I’ve done exactly what you said,
By taking one day at a time.
I’ve tried to help others,
Who are in sorrow and in pain.
And now I am contented,
My day was not in vain.
I’ll lend a hand, as you have said
When someone is feeling low.
I’ll pray for them and be here,
‘Till on their way they go.
And when it’s time for me to go,
To join you in heaven high.
My wings I shall spread wide,
To my home up in the sky.
Author
Ruth Ann Mahaffey
©copyright 2004
May 13, 2009
God bless and my thoughts and prayers are with you I will miss him in Jackson MS. Mary Griffin -,Peach Orchard ST
James and Monika Newell
May 13, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Donna (Sugar Foot) Clark
May 13, 2009
To the Melton Family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Our lost here on earth is heavens gain.
Marilyn Shelton
May 13, 2009
To the Melton Family,
May God continue to bless you and watch over Mr. Melton.
Tami W
May 13, 2009
My thougts and prayer are with you
May 13, 2009
To the Melton Family: We here in Memphis has heard of your sorrow. We are praying the Lord's blessings upon you all. Please be encouraged that MANY people throughout this USA is sharing your grief. May the Lord keep you in perfect peace. Charla Green
Erica Reed
May 12, 2009
You will be truly missed and well respected by me. You have given me different light on life Mr.Melton and I thank u
Ella Weese Edwards-Benson
May 12, 2009
To the family of the late Honorable Frank E. Melton. The city of Lexington (Miss) Mayor and Board of Alderman/alderwoman share with you in the loss of your love one. May God continue to keep his arms of protection around your family during these difficult times is our prayer.
Ella Weese Edwards-Benson
May 12, 2009
To the family of the late Honorable Frank E. Melton, you are in our prayers.Mayor Melton was a good and dear friend to my family. A member of my family was in a serious accident while working for JPD and Mayor Melton visit the hopital two-three times a week while the duties of the city was still being attended to. May his soul now rest in peace."May the life he lived speak for him......."
Archie L. Rison, Jr.
May 12, 2009
Frank tried to make a difference in the lives of young & old. I attended school with him @ Stephen F. Austin. He showed then that he was destined to be instrumental in helping others. May God be with Ellen & the rest of his family.
felica anderson
May 12, 2009
Frank Melton was a man sent into this world to help our kids to get further in the world.He was a very special person to me.Thank you Frank for everything!
Cornelia Shields
May 12, 2009
To the Melton Family:
Mr. Frank Melton--Husband, dad, mentor, friend
“Time cannot steal the treasures that we carry in our hearts, nor ever dim the shining thoughts a cherished man imparts.”
Prayers uplifting, wings consoling, as the angels now enfold him for God’s promise is the light by which we see our loved ones home. Frank lives on in the lives he touched with every thoughtful, loving way—in words he spoke, in hearts he warmed, in joy he brought each passing day. In guidance and in wisdom shared, in closeness and in strength declared. His memory you’ll treasure still; you loved Frank and always will. Although my heart cannot pretend to know just how you feel, dear friend, the message that it sends is true—remember, we are here for you. May God’s grace be your strength. Mr. Frank Melton came into our lives and left footprints on our hearts and we will never be the same.
Orya Wallace
May 12, 2009
Frank was a great man who helped so many people in his time here on this earth. May God bless his family and take this great man into his busom.
bina norris
May 12, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Deborah Porter
May 12, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Edward Young
May 12, 2009
I just belived he could make a difference in many lives and he did! My prayers are with the family and all of us that will miss him.
China Stephens
May 12, 2009
To the Melton Family:
Frank was the keynote speaker for one of our Staff Development programs for the beginning of the school year in the 80's for the Holmes County School District. His words of wisdom really inspired me to reach out and help children.
I really admired Frank's effort to clean up Jackson, MS. His heart was big and his love was even greater for this great city.
May God keep you in his care during this time for sorrow.
May 12, 2009
Frank, you were somebody special. I never personally met you, but this has affected me as if you were my father. May your light shine through others that you have deeply touched. I will always remember you and your strong personality. May your soul rest in peace!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love,
Your #1 Fan
Evelyn Spears/Gaines
May 12, 2009
To: The Melton Family,
May God continue to bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathy Fergueson
May 12, 2009
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
EDWONG FLEMING
May 11, 2009
FRANK MELTON WAS A MAN OF COURAGE AND AN ANGEL TO MANY HERE ON EARTH, NOW THAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU YOUR HEAVENLY WINGS YOU CAN NOW FLY HOME. WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND MISS YOU FRANK. TRAVEL IN PEACE FINALLY ON YOUR JOURNEY TO A PLACE WHERE THERE IS NO NEED FOR A MAYOR AND NO CRIME FOR YOU TO FIGHT. THE BATTLE IS NO LONGER YOURS IT'S THE LORD. AND THAT MY FRIEND IS THE BOTTOM LINE.
May 11, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May 11, 2009
Mr. Frank Melton will be missed by many, He has his own way of doing things, but in his heart, we knew he loved life and he stoop up for what was right.My prayers are with you.
May 11, 2009
That my friend is the bottom line
Joseph Lomax
May 11, 2009
May the lord give you strength in your time of sorrow.
Cornelia Shields
May 11, 2009
To the Melton Family:
Remember, you're in the hearts of others who care about you and pray for you as God eases your sorrow and replaces it with sweet memories. Frank must be at peace in Heaven. Please get strength to comfort yourself with this thought. Praying the Lord will comfort you with His peace...surround you with His love...and encourage You with His presence. A Sunset on Earth - is a Sunrise in Heaven; We embrace you tenderly with our thoughts and prayers during this time as we ponder, even though the sorrow, the eternal glory that has dawned for you precious loved one. We can never be separated from those we love...because God leaves us with memories to hold and love that doesn’t past away. When I think of Frank Melton this comes to mind “what a beautiful difference one single life can make” ~ Frank Melton was that single life who cared for others and gave them help. Rest on Frank - we love you but God loves you best. Yesterday’s influence, Today’s memories, Tomorrow’s reunion-Holding the family close in thought and prayer as you walk through this difficult time...May Our Lord’s Tender Comfort Be Yours; May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you.
The Shields Family (Alcorn State, MS-Woodville, MS- Newport News &Alexandria, VA-Dallas, TX-Midwest City&Tulsa, OK and Baton Rouge,LA)
MARKEETA MURRAY
May 11, 2009
WILL BE MISS B MANY
Keeta Boo Murray
May 11, 2009
I will like to say Mr.Melton did a wonderful times while he was the mayor he will be miss by many. I wish the best to his family.When I think of Mr.Melton the song "Never Would HAVE Made It" means that Jackson wouldnt have made it if it wasnt for Frank Melton Love always Keetaboo
Lisa James
May 11, 2009
May Mr. Melton finally rest in peace. May God wrap his arms around his loved ones he has left behind.
Stanley Perry
May 11, 2009
A man who truly gave a lot of himself without asking for anything in return. You are already missed Frank. To the family, continue to find comfort in God's word. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hold on to the memories. Remember and proudly carry on the legacy he left behind. Let it live on with you. God bless you all.
Jerry & Patrice Stine
May 11, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Lisa& Gabriel Gibbs
May 10, 2009
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you in you time of grief May your memories bring you comfort. He was admired by many who knew him and those who didnt wish they had his courage to stand up in these unsal times he will be missed THE GIBBS FAMILY.
Eloy Fernandez Sr.
May 10, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
TERRY DAVIS
May 10, 2009
HE WAS ADMIRED BY MANY WHO KNEW HIM.AND THOSE WHO DIDNT WISH THEY HAD HIS COURAGE TO STAND UP IN THESE UNUSAL TIMES. HE WILL BE MISSED.THE DAVIS FAMILY
Bob/Olivia White
May 10, 2009
To The Melton Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May memories bring you comfort...Mayor Melton will truly be missed....RIP!!!
Bob/Olivia White....Byram, Ms.
Sharon Hood
May 10, 2009
Jackson was lucky to have Frank Melton as our Mayor. We have lost a great man. The Melton family are in my prayers.
May 10, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bob/Olivia White...Byram, MS.
Cindy Sibley
May 10, 2009
The song "My Way" comes to mind as I think of Mayor Melton. He was a man with a big heart who will be missed. My heartfelt sympathy to the Melton family.
Pearl Bailey
May 9, 2009
May God bless and keep you during your time of need.
Cladia Faye Justice
May 9, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Danny Roundtree
May 9, 2009
In times like these Ellen you must be strong and have faith in God. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of sorrow. May God Bless and be with you and your family!!
A Jackson
May 9, 2009
Rest in peace Mayor Frank Melton, you will be missed.
...Now that my friends is the bottom line.
pedro moreno
May 9, 2009
Frank was a good frind in time of need.he help me in trouble time.thank you,you will be missed
Mike Marshall
May 9, 2009
I worked with Frank at Lufkin State School back in '73 & '74. He was a gentleman and a genuine nice fella. I've enjoyed watching Frank work his career goals over the years from the distance. I'm saddened by his death. Frank's family is in my prayers.
May 9, 2009
Thank you for your service to this city. You can never be replaced.
God grant you His peace.
Medic4
Yolanda Miller-Freeman
May 9, 2009
May the love of God be with the family always. May God have mercy and BLESS his soul.
Joseph & Elizabeth Thomas
May 9, 2009
Your husband will be GREATLY missed. We loved him dearly. We understood where he was coming from and where he was trying to go. Please remember, We loved him BUT God loved him BEST. He's up in heaven, keeping the peace. He won't have to worry about drug dealer or theives anymore, God only let the BEST in. He's there waiting on us. Our prayers are with you.
Velma Crosby
May 9, 2009
Mr Melton You did A very good job for jackson you did some thing Alot of men would do taking in children like they was your children and I think that was a good thing you did for them and we will miss you
Iris Tugwell
May 9, 2009
He shined, he shined,---- like a little jewel,----and that my friends, "is the bottom line"! ( Never met him,--- but, I liked him)!!!! God help his family, in this time of grief; RIP , Mayor Melton , you'll be missed!!!
Vertie Byrd
May 9, 2009
To the Melton Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of bereavement. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.
Vertie (Elijah) Byrd & Family
Sha'ron Travis-Govan
May 9, 2009
Look not mournfully into the past, it comes not back again. Wisely improve the present, it is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear and with a manly heart.
HOLMAN FAMILY
May 9, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Hope
May 9, 2009
God promise that he will wipe out every tear from our eyes,and death will be no more,neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.The former things have passed away.
Ricky Jackson
May 9, 2009
To the Melton family, may god bless you all and keep you strong during this time of need. We will keep you all in our prayers.
I can only regret I didn't have the opportunity to meet such a
man of great honor and wisdom. I can only wish that there are a lot of people with the self intestinal fortitude that you so possessed. I am greatly sadden that we as Jacksonian had to lose some one as special as you to realize what greatness that you inspired. I haven't lived in Jackson for quite sometime, but I always will refer to Frank Melton as my Mayor.
Rest in Peace, Frank
" and that my friends is the bottom line"
Alexis Owens
May 8, 2009
Sorry to Mayor Frank Meltons family from the family of Harold Cannon.
mary smith
May 8, 2009
TO THE MELTON FAMILY,MAY GOD KEEP HIS LOVING ARMS AROUND YOU ALWAYS.MAYOR FRANK WAS A THOUGHTFUL AND CONSIDERATE PEARSON, AND I AM GLAD WE HAD HIM AS OUR MAYOR, HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED .mary and kenny alexander
K Washington
May 8, 2009
Frank was a great man who cared about everyone else but himself.You will be truly missed! No matter who win the election the city of Jackson will never be able to replace you! You may be gone but you will never be forgot! We love you! Rest in peace.
Glen Garcia
May 8, 2009
When my mom was killed in a car accident in 1975 and my dad was in in the hospital for almost a year Frank took me in while I was a employee of his at The Lufkin State School. He was a very kind person and helped me out tremendously during my time of grief and sorrow. I will never forget how much he helped me and my family! God has a great Angel with him right now!! He truly will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Frank!
Okolo Rashid and Staff
May 8, 2009
The International Museum of Muslim Cultures have the family of Mayor Melton in our prayers. We know that he is at peace. Mayor Frank Melton,cared for this city and its people.
Alicia Jenkins
May 8, 2009
May you rest and peace. You will be truly missed Frank Melton. Rest in peace.
A Sullivan
May 8, 2009
To the Melton family - Frank will be truly missed. He was a hero to many and maybe God needed another hero in Heaven. He worked with me with the battered and beaten children. He was honest, loyal, fair, etc. You are all in my prayers.
L. Green and Family
May 8, 2009
To: The Melton Family-Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of sorrow.
Thank you, Mayor Frank Melton, for loving our city as much as you did!! You will truly be missed!! May you now find the rest and peace you so much needed.
We Love You!!!
J Neal
May 8, 2009
May you have comfort in your time of grief. Frank Melton will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a good man for our city. May you take comfort in knowing that.
MICHELLE RICE
May 8, 2009
You are in my prayers. May God continue to fill your hearts with divine peace and strength during this difficult time.
Henryk Zaleski
May 8, 2009
Rest in peace.
May 8, 2009
TO;The melton Family. Hope that God be with you through out, your grief of a love one. Frank is in a better place now. No more pain total rest.May God continue to bless each of you at this difficult time. Rest in peace frank melton.
From:By the way of miss.
The Wilson
Columbus Ohio
Maxine Whitaker
May 7, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Doyle/Suzy
May 7, 2009
Prayers and peace we send to your family. Frank Melton was a fine, trustworthy, and true friend. He also told us to do the right thing by people. The world has lost a good man, may his work continue through all the people he helped.
Rhonda L. Edwards
May 7, 2009
May GOD BLESS the MELTON FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE,
RHONDA L.EDWARDS
May 7, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May 7, 2009
Frank, I doubt you would remember me . I was a class mate at BTW class of 1967. I Thank god for the association. I know you fought a good fight. Take your rest.
Jerry Leviston & Family, Rusk, Tx.
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