Donald Dean Melton

Donald Dean Melton, 88 of Hemet, CA passed away on Friday, August 24, 2018, in Hemet, CA. Donald was born on Thursday, June 26, 1930 in East Gary IN. He was the son of the late James and Grace Melton. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dallas Melton, his granddaughter Victoria Maxwell, daughter Lynn Millard.

He is survived by his wife Jean Alice Melton, son Douglas Dean Melton, daughter Debra Melton, daughter Traci and husband (Joe) Nicksic, nephew Michael Dean Melton, grandchildren, David & wife Lia Irwin, Casey Nicksic, Caleb Nicksic, grandson in law Ken Maxwell, great grandchildren Levi Maxwell, Kenny Maxwell, Connor Maxwell and Liam Maxwell.

Donald (Don) will be lovingly remembered by family and friends as a fun-loving, kind and compassionate man who was also known for his quick wit (fantastic sense-of-humor!), and his infectious laugh. He had a passion for music, and was an accomplished musician (trombone) in his early years and later a self-taught keyboard/organist, which had brought hundreds of hours of enjoyment to many people over the years as we sang along to his playing. However, he really never needed an audience, as he thoroughly enjoyed creating music for his own enjoyment. He could harmonize to songs like none other and, while he enjoyed all types of music, he especially loved country/western.

Don moved from Indiana, where he was a bricklayer, to Fontana, California in 1956 to take a job at Kaiser Steel Mill. When he retired from Kaiser Steel in 1980 he went back to college, where he had earned two Associate Degrees, and started a new position of substitute teaching. Later, Don went to work for California Steel Industries, and retired in 1992, at which time he and wife Jean had a beautiful home built in Gilbert, Arizona. They lived there for five years before moving back to California (Hemet) where they have resided ever since.

One of Don's childhood dreams was to fly an airplane, he was always intrigued with aviation. He was finally able to realize that dream when he received his pilot's license in 1978, and then proceeded to purchase an airplane. This was a true feat for him, and he enjoyed it immensely! Owning his own airplane enabled him to see many parts of the country that he never would have been able to see otherwise. He always felt there was no need to travel abroad, as there is much beauty to be found right here in America. Don and Jean were extremely fortunate as they always had a blast together...just the two of them.

Don was an avid reader and could discuss, at great length, just about any subject that one might bring up. He was intrigued with new information, and his thirst for learning never waned. He thoroughly enjoyed reading novels, but especially liked reading about historical events such as the Civil War and, of course, World War II. Don was extremely politically minded and he loved a good debate, especially with Republicans (LOL!)

Don had a passion for gardening, which stemmed from having lived a couple of years as a child in the rural parts of Kentucky with his grandparents. He and his beloved wife Jean continued on with that passion by creating an incredible garden in their backyard in Fontana, where he grew luscious vegetables, which Jean proceeded to "can", much to everyone's delight. He and Jean worked together harmoniously on many, many household projects over the last 55 years, while also owning a trophy/gift shop for ten years. The two of them were rarely apart, as they enjoyed many years together on bowling leagues, and/or simply spending time with friends. They were awesome dancers, NO ONE could cut-a-rug quite like the two of them. It was always a treat to watch them on the dance floor....they were truly amazing!

Besides other past times such as playing soft ball on the Kaiser Steel team and golfing, he always took pride in work and a job well done. No matter what he had undertaken, such as building homes with exquisite brick work, building televsions from scratch, building and flying model airplanes in his later years, or working on never-ending projects around the house, he always had something going on....he was truly a 'Master of all Trades', and could do most anything that he had put his mind to accomplish!

In his final days, Don spoke to family members with much pride saying that he had, indeed, lived a good and fulfilling life. He believed in achieving one's personal best, which he himself had always aspired to. A lot of us might know him for always "being right" (an inside joke through the years), but he was actually seldom wrong, as he made it a point to keep up on current events, etc. Although he will be truly missed, he will always be in our hearts as we remember him for all that he has accomplished and for the love, knowledge and strength that he has given us.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,

Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

So, farewell for now our beloved Donald, and know that as you fly with the angels you'll be forever in our hearts and our souls.