Fred D. Melton

Fred D. Melton, 85, of Benton, Arkansas passed away February 22, 2017. He was born September 17, 1931 in McCrory, Arkansas to the late Clyde and Mary Shankle Melton. Fred retired after 23 years as a Senior Master Sergeant serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was awarded the National Defense and Good Conduct Medals. He also worked at the Mini-Mart in Benton and in later years drove across the United States for Everett GMC. Fred was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Drew Nicole Melton; brothers, Perry Melton and Joffrey Melton; sisters, Mary Koga Spencer, Connie Gardner, and Terry Melton. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of 60 years, Jean Lillian Melton of Benton, Arkansas; son, Fred "Ted" Melton, Jr. of Benton, Arkansas; daughter, Kelly Stewart and husband Scott of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren, Samantha Jo Melton, Katie Nichols Mitchell and husband Charlie, and Danny Stewart; sister, Judy Seabaugh and husband Lonnie of Hickory Ridge, Arkansas; and many more family members and friends who loved Fred and will miss him always. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at Mt. Carmel Methodist Church in Benton, Arkansas. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Interment with military honors will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, March 6, 2017 at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Memorials may be made to Drew Melton Scholarship Fund 2617 Oakbrook Benton, Ark. 72015. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home, a certified Veterans Funeral Care provider. Online guest register: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.