Thomas Melton

Thomas Emmanuel Melton, 79, of Oak Ridge died Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004, at his home.

He was born April 19, 1924, in Cape Girardeau, son of John L. and Carrie Hatcher Melton. He and Connie M. Blackwell were married Jan. 11, 1943, at Benton, Mo.

Melton worked on the Mississippi River and at Marquette Cement Co. before becoming a printer in Monterey Park, Calif. He also worked in Nevada, Oklahoma and Florida, moving to Oak Ridge seven years ago. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church at Apple Creek, Mo.

He served in the U.S. Air Force.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Jackie Duarte of Stephenville, Texas; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and a sister.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. today. Parish prayers will be at 8.

The funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Church, with the Rev. Kevin Fausz officiating.