Harold Robert Melton

Harold Robert Melton, 84, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the William E. Christoffersen Veterans Home in Salt Lake City, Utah, just one day shy of his 85th birthday. 

Born in Tylertown, Mississippi, to R.J. and Jessie (Goings) Melton, Harold lived a life marked by service, perseverance, and faith. 

Harold began his military service at a young age in the Mississippi National Guard and was honorably discharged on September 8, 1956. He later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving four years and attaining the rank of Lance Corporal. During the buildup to the Vietnam War, he spent eighteen months stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps on August 14, 1962. Following his service in the Marines, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving two years as an Airman Second Class at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. He was honorably discharged on August 12, 1964, completing nearly a decade of military service to his country. 

Following his time in the military, Harold entered law enforcement, working as a police Officer and Detective in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and various departments in Colorado. During the 1960s, he was assigned to high-pressure assignments including undercover work against organized crime and Internal Affairs. In the mid-1980s, he began a new career as a long-haul truck driver, a profession he embraced for many years. He loved the open road and the independence it offered. 

While working full time, Harold pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from the University of Maryland in 1982 — an accomplishment he deeply valued and one that reflected his determination and perseverance. 

Harold was raised in the Baptist faith and in 1977, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly thereafter, he married Judith Leak in the Salt Lake Temple, and together they built a life centered on faith and family. 

Harold loved to serve in the Church and especially enjoyed home teaching and ministering. Some of his callings included Elder’s Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, member of the High Council, and ordinance worker in the Jordan River and Oquirrh Mountain Temples. He also worked in the baptistry of the Washington D.C. Temple. He also served two missions — one at Welfare Square in Salt Lake City as a transient bishop helping those who were homeless or in need, and another with his wife at Deseret Dairy at Welfare Square. 

He is survived by his wife, Judith; his sister, Ann VanNorman of Summit, MS; his children, Angie Palmer of Moselle, Mississippi; Tonia Sauzameda of Ames, Iowa; and Matthew (McKenzie) Melton of Montana, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Terry, and his son, Jeffrey. 

A viewing will be held on February 25, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Broomhead Funeral Home, 12600 S 2200 W, Riverton, Utah.  A viewing will also be held on February 26, 2026, from 10:00am to 10:45am at Butterfield Canyon Stake Center, 13768 S 6400 W, Herriman, Utah, followed by the funeral service at 11:00am. 

Interment, including military honors and dedication of the grave, will be at the Wight’s Fort Cemetery in West Jordan, Utah. 

Zoom link for services:  https://zoom.us/j/4260356540?pwd=bWNiOUVUbmx0T3pOWTRjWThhSFV5Zz09