John T. Melton of West Chester John T. Melton, 65, of West Chester, Pa, passed away Sunday, September 9th at his home surrounded by family after a long fight with COPD. He was married to the love of his life, Joann (Mellinger), for 29 years. Born March 14, 1947 in Galax, Va. he was the son of Mabel (Roberts) Melton & the late John F. Melton Jr. He was a 1965 graduate of West Chester High School. He then joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served one tour of duty in Vietnam. He was a machinist by trade. John enjoyed fishing, boating, Sci-Fi movies, trips to Las Vegas and visiting local casinos, trivia and his beloved Oldies music. "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" he'd say. He was a life member of the Butler-O'Connor-McCormick VFW Post 106 in West Chester, having served 22 consecutive years on the board of directors there. In 2009 he received the Legion of Honor Award from the Chapel of Four Chaplains for recognition of his service to others. He was also a charter member of the Vietnam Veterans Association Pennsylvania Chapter 436, and was a member of American Legion Post 362 for sixteen years. Surviving, in addition to his wife and mother, are a sister, Glennis Singleton of Nottingham, England; daughters Christine Melton of Julian, N.C. and Amy Mellinger of Malvern, Pa.; two granddaughters, three grandsons, and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by a son, Scott A. Melton. Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, 410 N. Church St, West Chester, PA 19380. Visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday September 12, 2012 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday September 13, 2012 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Philadelphia Memorial Park, Frazer, Pa. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the V.F.W. Post 106, 857 Lincoln Ave, West Chester, PA 19380; or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1 Reed St. Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19147.
Published in The Daily Local on September 11, 2012
