Pastor Kenneth Ray Melton of Caledonia, Missouri, was born on February 14, 1936 in Bono, Arkansas, a son of the late Paul Melton and the late Armindy (Foster) Melton. On September 21, 1957, Kenneth was united in marriage to Rosie Hudson, and they shared nearly sixty-three years together.
Kenneth went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 having reached the age of eighty-four years, six months and five days.
Those who remain to cherish his memory include his loving and devoted wife, Rosie Melton; two daughters: Carol Ann Harris, Regina Lynne Gullett and husband Roger; eight grandchildren: Jalayne Robinson and husband Brad, Kenneth Aaron Smith and wife Kelly, Mark Vollet and wife Jennifer, Jeremy Vollet, Melinda McMurrey, Katrina Gullett, Jayme Thomas, and Jason Gullett; also surviving are numerous great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; one brother, Bob Melton and wife Juanita; two sisters: Betty Mosier and husband George, Jane Boulch and husband Jerry; and nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In addition to his father and mother, Kenneth was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Faye Melton; son-in-law: Gene Harris; and one sister, Janet Faye LaBue and many other dear relatives.
Kenneth was saved, baptized, and ordained as a Deacon in the Spring of 1970 at the Jefferson Heights Baptist Church where he and Rosie attended. Kenneth and Rosie moved to Belgrade, Missouri in 1974 and operated a grocery store. They joined Temple Missionary Baptist Church. Kenneth surrender to preach, beamed licensed in October 1974, and ordained as a minister in 1975. Kenneth has pastored seven churches in Missouri which include: Bates Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Potosi, Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Belgrade, Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in Hillsboro, Cane Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Ohlman Missionary Baptist Church in Bunker, Black River Missionary Baptist Church; Missionary Pastor at West Doniphan Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to the churched in Missouri, H also pastored in Arkansas, Illinois, and Kansas. Altogether, Kenneth preached God's word for nearly forty years.
Kenneth proudly served in the United States Army from January 3, 1955 to December 25, 1956.
Visitation will be Saturday, August 22, 2020 from 10:30 to 1:00 pm at DeClue Funeral Home.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 1 pm, held in the DeClue Chapel with Bro. Rob Duckett officiating. Interment will follow at Hazel Creek Cemetery. Kenneth received full military honors presented by the U.S. Army and VFW Post 6947.
Funeral arrangements were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home.