Joe Allen Melton

Joe Allen Melton was born July 18, 1929 in Krum, Texas. He passed away on February 3, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. He attended Whitesboro High School and the University of North Texas. He served in the US Army from 1951 – 1952 seeing combat at the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge during the Korean War attaining the rank of Corporal. He then served in the US Army Reserve from 1952 – 1958. Joe worked as a Right of Way agent at the Texas Department of Transportation for 33 years, retiring in 1991. He was a faithful member of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic minister, Finance committee member and active volunteer with St. Vincent DePaul Society. Joe loved trains and shared that passion with his grandson and great grandsons. Joe loved good music, amassing a very large collection of LP albums, ranging from jazz to classical. He also loved sharing personal stories with his children, grandchildren, and great grandsons, and anyone else who took the time to listen. He celebrated his 80th birthday with a dinner for 150 family and friends and danced the night away to the Big Band sounds provided by The Gary Lee Orchestra.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Melton and Ruth Bridges Melton, brother Jimmy Melton and sister Peggy Melton, and son-in-law Matt Robles. He is survived by the love of his life of 64 years, Virginia Lydia Gomez Melton, daughter Laura Robles, son Philip Melton and daughter-in-law Kelley, daughter Lydia Crossley and son-in-law Ben, five grandchildren: Alicia Robles Clinton (Charles), Diana Robles Wilder (Jessie), Keli Graham Jamison (Bryan), Olivia Melton and Nathan Melton and four great grandsons: Jacob Clinton, Aidan Clinton, Carson Wilder and William Jamison.

“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7