Obituary of Winfred Ray Melton

Winfred Ray Melton, 75, of Van Buren, MO, departed this life August 30, 2024, one day before his 76^th birthday. He was born August 31, 1948, in Billmore, MO, to the late Bill and Marvee (McGhee) Melton.

 

Winfred's life was marked by a deep connection to his community and a love for the outdoors. He was a farm hand at Pigman Ranch in Alton, MO, a site famously visited by the Beatles during their 1964 tour of the United States. Later, Winfred served the students and families of the Gatewood, MO School District as a dedicated bus driver. His passion for the outdoors was evident in his enjoyment of hunting, fishing, mowing the grass, and gardening.  He enjoyed fish fries and barbecues with family and reminiscing about the fun times they had during childhood and young adulthood.

 

On March 22, 1975, Winfred married Ann McDonald in Calm, MO. She survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Andrea Melton; a sister, Carolyn (Ed) Faught of Springfield, MO; a brother, James (Sharron) Melton of Paragould; grandchildren, Keegan Melton, Nicholette Melton, and Gary Slayton; and one great-grandson, Aiden Melton; brother-in-law Tom (Janet) McDonald and David (Ella) McDowell; and sisters-in-law, Alice McDonald and Janice McDowell.

 

Winfred was preceded in death by a sister, Cathy Bettis; sister-in-law, Sue (L.C.) Fagan; brothers-in-law, Joe McDonald, James McDowell, and Ralph McDowell. 

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A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Liberty Freewill Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m.