Born June 10, 1932 in Asher Oklahoma to Vern and Laura (Wilsie) Melton, Father Melton passed away February 11, 2017 at his home in Tom Bean, Texas. He served his community as pastor for over 40 years. He was predeceased by: his mother and father, infant sister LaVern; brother-n-law, Joe Lightfoot; and nephew, Joseph Patrick Lightfoot. He is survived by his sister Mary Dell Lightfoot of Tom Bean, many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.


He grew up around the Asher area, and later his family moved to western Oklahoma for work. He graduated valedictorian of his high school class in Tyrone Oklahoma in 1950, shortly after high school, he attended the seminary in San Antonio Texas. Without the means to own a car, he would ride the train from San Antonio to Oklahoma to visit his family.


Father Melton was not raised in the Catholic Church, but as a young man met a local Catholic priest that inspired him to join the seminary and was ordained a priest in 1959. He served in Elk City, Fredrick, Tahlequah, Wilburton, Tulsa, Sapulpa, McAlester, and retired from St. Clements in Bixby in 2001. No matter what community he served, he loved his parishioners and always left each parish gaining new lifelong friendships.


Devout Priest, son, brother, uncle and friend. Even in retirement, Father Melton recited the Rosary often and would say Mass for his family every Sunday. He loved his mother and always made sure her needs were met until her death at the age of 102. He was very close with his sister Mary Dell and always was there for her. He supported his nieces and nephews and helped everyone get a start in life, whether it was a bill of groceries, or a rent payment. He loved being surrounded by family and friends, especially during the holidays and special occasions.

He enjoyed traveling, and loved taking his mother to see the world. His favorite states were New Mexico and Alaska. He enjoyed visiting old missions, studying history, and admiring wildlife in nature.

His favorite past time in his later years was watching the news, watching the Catholic channel, and going out to eat Italian food.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Catholic Charities and local food banks.

Viewing will be Friday, February 17th, 1 – 5 PM, at Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel. Rosary will be Friday, 7 PM, and Funeral Mass will be 10 AM, Saturday, February 18th, both at Holy Family Cathedral, in Tulsa. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151