Virgil Vernon Melton, Jr.

Virgil Melton, Jr. was born July 8, 1947, and passed away unexpectedly on June 3, 2024, after a life richly lived in service and kindness. Virgil’s earliest and fondest childhood memories were of being with his grandparents, hunting squirrels and fishing with his grandfather at Buck Creek, or just spending time at his store in Jackson. Virgil often talked about that being the happiest time of his life. They always had a special place in his heart, and he cherished those memories for a lifetime.

Virgil’s parents, Shirley and Virgil Melton, Sr., were special to him as well. He remembered his mother as a wonderful cook, and he was so proud of his father’s military service in the United States Marine Corps.

As a young man, he worked long days in the fields around Jackson, Tundra and Phalba. From this he learned the power of hard work and the importance of frugality. Virgil attended both grade school and high school in Canton. He was always so proud of being a member of the 1964 undefeated, unscored-on football team at Canton High School.

After graduating in 1966, Virgil continued his father’s legacy by joining the United States Marine Corps. He served four and a half years in the Marines, spending twenty-one months in Vietnam. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, as well as receiving a combat meritorious promotion to E-5 Sergeant while in Vietnam. In the summer of 1967, Virgil was outside of his tank, guiding his driver through a trench area on the Ho Chi Minh trail when the tank ran over a land mine and blew Virgil several feet in the air. He was medivacked out and spent several months recovering from his injuries. When Virgil spoke of this incident, he always said that all he could think about were his fellow marines and how he needed to return to his platoon to be with his men. Virgil did successfully return to his platoon and spent many more months in heavy combat.

Upon returning to the United States, Virgil attended the Marine Corps Embassy Security School in Washington, D.C. After graduation, he was attached to the United States Department of State’s Division of Protective Security where he was charged with providing personal security to foreign dignitaries visiting the President of the United States.

After an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Virgil attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. He then was employed by Dallas County for 31 years as a police officer, detective and court administrator, finishing his career as Criminal District Courts Manager where he worked with 17 State District Judges.

Virgil was elected to the position of Van Zandt County Commissioner, Precinct 2 in November 2006. He was honored and humbled to serve the people of Van Zandt County for many years. It was his lifetime goal and dream to serve the people of his own county and the area where he grew up and made his home. Virgil has been a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope for the entire community. With over 15 years of dedicated service, he has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment, profound integrity, and a relentless drive to improve the lives of all Van Zandt County residents.

Beyond tangible achievements, it was Virgil’s personal touch that left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone who was fortunate enough to interact with him. He was always there to listen, to understand, and to act, embodying the true spirit of public service. We celebrate not just the work that has been done, but the values of compassion, dedication, and community spirit that he instilled in the community.

Virgil married Janice in 1976, and she remained the love of his life for almost 50 years. They lived in Dallas for a couple of years before moving back to Canton where they have resided ever since. They were known far and wide for sharing the remarkable fruits and vegetables they enjoyed growing and have always been active in the community. Many wonderful memories were made at the Van Zandt Country Club over the years, where they enjoyed golfing, swimming and lifelong friendships.

Virgil and Janice have been longtime members of Lakeside Baptist Church and First Baptist Church in Canton. Virgil was a deacon and served his church with love and compassion for many years. Virgil had a deep and abiding love for his church, a love that was evident in everything he did. His faith was the foundation upon which he built his life, and his devotion to his church was unwavering. He found great joy and purpose in serving his community, and his commitment to his faith was an inspiration to us all. Virgil’s commitment to his church extended beyond the walls of the sanctuary. He believed in living his faith every day, in every aspect of his life. He was a shining example of what it means to live a life of service and devotion. His actions spoke louder than words, and he showed us all the true meaning of faith through his kindness, generosity, and compassion.

As a father figure, Virgil was an outstanding example, raising his son Chase Melton, as well as having a major hand in raising his niece Amy Melton, nephew Casey Melton, and niece Stephanie Loats. The highlight of his life was getting to be with his four grandchildren: Caitlyn Melton, Lainey Loats, Harrison Melton, and Lauren Melton, as well as Caitlyn’s daughter Zena, Virgil’s only great-grandchild. He showed them endless patience and unconditional love, and he freely gave the gift of his time, tirelessly attending ballgames, recitals, school events, and countless other activities.

Virgil is survived by his wife Janice Melton, his son Chase (Jennifer) Melton, niece Amy Melton, nephew Casey (Tracy) Melton, and niece Stephanie Loats; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, sister Carolynn Melton, brother Rand (Sharon) Melton, and brother Tony (Karen) Melton. He was predeceased by his grandparents Estelle and Ed Boyd; Leona and Willie Melton, his parents Shirley and Virgil Melton, Sr., brothers Brent Melton and Paul Melton.

Visitation will be Monday, June 17, 6-8 p.m. at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton. On Tuesday, June 18, Lakeside Baptist Church in Canton will host refreshments for family and friends at 12:30 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. Pallbearers are Steve Jacobs, Juddson Melton, Joshua Melton, Craig Melton, Kerry Melton, Wesley Melton, Jared Melton, Austin Melton, Todd Melton, Luke Casey, and Jacob Casey. Honorary pallbearers are Keith Dean, Mark Nancarrow, Thomas Rucker, Joe Barrentine, Cary Hilliard, and Jerry Jacobs.