Max David Melton's Obituary
Max David Melton, 82, went home to his Heavenly Father on January 4, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 19, 1936, in Newton County, Missouri, to Earl and Gladys (Glossip) Melton. The family moved to Kilgore, Texas when Max was twelve years old. He graduated from Kilgore High School in 1955 and attended Kilgore College.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country from 1959-1961 (Firing Battery, 1st Missile Battalion 82nd Artillery). He was stationed at Camp Ederle in Vicenza, Italy and served two years in the Army Reserve Unit at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
Max married the love of his life Patricia Booth of Glasford, Illinois, on November 24, 1961, at First Baptist Church in Kilgore, Texas. Max and his brother Don were on assignment to build grain bins for the Glasford Grain and Milling Company when he met Patricia at the local Root Beer Stand.
He worked 22 years at Trailmobile in Longview until its closing. He then became self-employed as a contractor with Cassity Jones Lumber in Longview and retired in 1992. During his retirement, he pursued his passion for woodcarving, restoring vintage vehicles, and remodeling projects. Max enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and taking care of his beloved animals. He and Patricia loved exploring the Good Ole’ USA in their RV and traveling abroad.
He was a long-time faithful member of Mobberly Baptist Church, Longview. He enjoyed singing in the choir, participating in church activities, attending the Friends Connect Group Class, and traveling with Mobberly’s Maturing Adults.
In November 2013, Max was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (lung disease). His faith in God helped him maintain a positive, kind, sweet disposition throughout his illness. Max said, “I’ve had a long wonderful life.”
Max was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Gladys (Glossip) Melton; Brother Donald Melton; nephews Justin Melton, Clint Mitchell and Steve Ball; brother-in-law Don Mitchell; and parents-in-law Dale and Ruby Booth.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia; brothers Bob and Shirley Melton of Kilgore, Texas; Roger and Vicki Melton of Longview, Texas; and his sister Shirley Mitchell of Seneca, Missouri; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and friends.
The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the kindness, thoughtfulness, and comfort offered by friends and well-wishers. We also offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff of Heart-to-Heart Hospice, especially Cassie Elias, Shekeela Washington, and Lawrence Thompson, who provided Max and his family with loving and compassionate care.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home, Longview, Texas on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m., with services immediately following. Brother Scott Schulik and Johnny Norwood will officiate. Graveside service, along with Military Funeral Honors, provided by the VFW Post 4002 Honor Guard will be held at Rosewood Park, Longview.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P. O. Box 50, Memphis TN 38101-9929; Mobberly Baptist Church Building Fund, 625 E. Loop 281, Longview TX 75605; or charity of your choice.
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