Richard Andrew Melton

Richard Andrew Melton, age 84, of Highlandville, passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2014. He was born July 27, 1930 in Ozark, the son of Andy and Aggie (DeLisle) Melton. Richard served his county in the U.S. Army. On January 24, 1950 he and Edna Lea Gideon were united in marriage. Richard was an auctioneer and partnered with Earl Blansit and the Blansit Dairy Cattle Company for years. He and his son Roger auctioneered together until Richard's health failed. Richard was a member of Ponce Pentecostal Church. He loved to sing whenever asked by area churches. When anyone in the community was in need, Richard and his family would be there to help. Survivors include: A daughter, Debra Henry and husband Rob of Highlandville; three sons, Rick Melton and wife Cindy of Grain Valley, Roger Melton and wife Sharon of Highlandville, and Scott Melton of Highlandville; a daughter, Linda Hunter and husband Carlos of Indiana; grandchildren, Jason Maples, Justin Maples, Russ Melton, Tonya Claybrook, Tamra Doyal, and Dalton Silvey; great-grandchildren, Dawson and Anna Maples, Reece Maples, Caleb, Chesney and Grady Claybrook, Colby Doyal, and Cameron and Emily Melton-Hayes; a sister, Jane McCullough of Nixa; sisters-in-law, Verlene Gideon of Greeley, CO, Goldie Carey of Russell, KS, Vickie Gideon of Wenatchee, WA; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Edna, in 2012, his parents, a grandson, Robert Melton, and a sister, Zoe Moore. The family would like to extend a thank you to Century Pines "The Cottages" for the loving care given to Richard. They would also like to say a special thank you to Sonya Bodenhamer for spending extra time singing with Richard, which he loved so much. Funeral services will be 2:30 PM Sunday, November 30, in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Pastor Gayle Cobb and Roger Melton officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Highlandville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 PM until service time on Sunday.