Norman Wayne Melton entered into rest peacefully at Willis Knighton South in Shreveport on November 14, 2022 at 91 yrs of age. A visitation is planned at Centuries Memorial Funeral home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, LAouisiana 71108 on Wednesday November 16, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 PM. A graveside service will be held Thursday November 17, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Park, Shreveport, LA., with Dennis Aaron, pastor of the Open Range Fellowship / Cowboy Church in Greenwood, LA, officiating. Honoring Wayne as pallbearers are grand and great-grandsons, Russell, Casey, Cory, Matthew, Nathan, Darren and Tucker.
"Papaw", "Pops", or "Pappy Wayne", as he was called by loved ones, was born November 16, 1930 in Mansfield, La. to Jessie Franklin and Ona Pallie Davis Melton. Wayne is preceded in death by Ila Eugene Moseley Melton (wife), Elmer Melton (brother), Louie Melton (brother), Marvin Melton (brother), and Noreen Melton Ebarb (sister).
Left to cherish his memory are 3 sons, Robert Wayne (wife Carolyn) of Mayflower, AR; Donald Glen (Donnie) of Shreveport, and Richard Gene (wife Nadine)of Fairfield, TX. Grandchildren include: Russell (wife Amy) of Haughton, Casey (wife Missy) of Keithville, LA, Mathew (wife Brigette)of Bossier City, Nathan (of Portland, OR), Sarah (of Spokane Valley, WA), Kelly (husband Mike) of Keithville, LA, and Cory (wife Ali) of Tolar, TX.
Great grandchildren include Darren & Tucker Melton, Owen & Evan Melton, Kayla Melton, Pecos McCloud Melton & Monroe Melton.
Wayne grew up in Mansfield, LA where he was a talented baseball player and where he met his beloved wife of over 6 decades, Ila "Gene". They settled in Keithville in the early 60's and raised their 3 sons. Wayne was a people-person, astute business manager, and aptly suited for his 40 year career in retail sales, opening the first TG&Y Family Center in Louisiana in 1970. After "retirement", he continued to drive a school bus for Caddo parish well into his 70's. He was an avid quail, duck, deer, and squirrel hunter in his younger years. Recent years found him scootering around his home at 10 & 4 daily, feeding the deer, birds, raccoons, and cats. He was an ardent fan of Louie L'Amour novels and shrimp dinners at Sam's Southern Eatery!
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Krishna Singh and the staff at Heritage Manor West where they made the transition into his last few months as easy as was possible. In lieu of flowers, donations on his behalf may be made to Ducks Unlimited or the charity of choice.
