Robert (Bob) James Melton

Robert (Bob) James Melton, formerly of Lake Lotawana, MO, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 29, 2022 at his new home in Columbia MO. Bob was just four days shy of his 92th birthday, although if you had asked him, he would have claimed it was his 39th.

Bob was born on June 2, 1930 in Kansas City, MO to Clarence Clifford Melton (Rockville MO) and Ruth Dean Melton (Appleton City, MO). He served in the Army during the Korean War. After leaving the service, he began his career at Bendix as an Engineering Tech. In 1959, he married Helen Frances Martin (Attica KS) and in 1960 they moved out to Lake Lotawana.

Over the years, Bob was involved in many activities. He was a Mason, a charter member of the John Knox Presbyterian Kirk, as well as a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers, the Lake Lotawana Sportsman’s Club, and the Heart of America Model A Ford Club. He was a Boy Scout leader, and enjoyed trap shooting, reloading, water sports, ham radio, and tinkering in his basement. Bob retired from Bendix in 1994.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Doris Dean Foley, and his son LTJG Craig Richard Melton. He is survived by his wife Helen Melton, his daughter Melanie Knocke (Philip), grandson Charles Craig Knocke, nephew John Foley, and niece Linda Foley.

A Celebration of Life will be held at John Knox Presbyterian Kirk, 11430 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO on Friday June 3 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to go to John Knox Presbyterian Kirk memorial fund.