John B Melton

Graveside services for John B. Melton, 92, of Tyler are scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at Rose Hill Cemetery with Rev. Karen Jones officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home. Mr. Melton passed away after a long illness June 3, 2013,at The Hospice of East Texas.

Mr. Melton was born February 2, 1922, to the late Leta and Earnest Melton in Longview where he graduated from Judson High School. After graduation he enlisted in the Marine Corps June 30, 1942, and was on the side of the mountain when the flag was raised at Iowa Jima during World War II. His boat was one of the first to hit the beach at Iowa Jima and he was one of two survivors from that boat. He was honorably discharged November 26, 1945. His motto was “Once a Marine, Always a Marine." John was always a very strong, caring person and lived a very honorable life.

After discharge, Mr. Melton moved to Tyler to join Delta Drilling Company where he retired after fifty years.

He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, LaVerne Melton; sister, Carolyn Kay; and brother, Sherwin Melton.

John is survived by daughter, Virginia Dorsey, of Tyler; sister, Nelwyn Kay, of McLean, Virginia; grandsons, Eric Dorsey, of Whitehouse and Winston Melton, of Tyler; granddaughter, Pauline Montgomery, of Tyler; great-grandchildren are Gunnar and Alexa Dorsey, of Whitehouse, Cody Montgomery, Samantha Lowery, Stephanie Ritter and Becky Lopez, of Tyler; niece, Ann Eldh and nephew, Bryan Kay.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cedar Street United Methodist Church, “Mustard Seed” Ministry, 1420 N. Church Ave., Tyler, Texas 75702.