Eugene H. "Jeep" Melton

Eugene H. "Jeep" Melton age 91 of Arkadelphia died Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014. He was born in Garland county June 13, 1922 the son of Rev. Joe C. and Dora Meredith Melton. Jeep was a WWII Veteran having served in the South Pacific. He married his childhood sweetheart, Eunice Bledsoe, after the war's end. They lived in Arkadelphia where he worked for Zero Butane and the Reynolds Metals Company until his retirement in 1984. He was elected to the Arkadelphia City Board of Directors in 1966. He was a dedicated member of Second Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School and Training Union Teacher and Church Choir member. He was a member of First Baptist Church in the latter years of his life where he made many friends. Jeep cared for those around him and loved the Lord with all his heart. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 48 years, Eunice Bledsoe Melton; and second wife, Cathryn Rogers Melton, with whom he shared fourteen wonderful years. He felt she was a true gift from God to him. Cathryn's children held a special place in his heart, Roger and Karen Rogers of Amity, Stan Rogers of Wichita, Robyn Rogers of Hot Springs and their children and grandchildren. Survivors include one son, Danny Melton and his wife Bee of Rogers; three daughters, Jean Andrews and husband Ken of San Antonio, Texas, Brenda Manning and husband Larry of Arkadelphia, and Donna Harris and husband Greg of Rogers; grandchildren, Dana (David) Oglesby, Karen (Brandon) Price, Mark (Caron) Manning, Jana Beth Manning, Adam (Amber) Melton, Amber (Jeremiah) Tebbenkamp, Caleb (Shelby) Melton, Ethan Melton, Morgan Harris, Ty Harris; eight great grandchildren, Carter and Lauren Oglesby, Gray and Kate Manning, Emma Price, Dylan and Zane Melton and June Tebbenkamp; one brother, R. D. Melton of North Little Rock; one sister, B. J. Chapman of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be to Second Baptist Church or First Baptist Church. Sign on-line at www.ruggleswilcox.com.