Lt. Col. US Army (Retired) Kenneth Frank Melton Jr.
December 27, 1933 ~ December 29, 2020
Born in:
Columbia, SC
Resided in:
Stone Mountain, GA
Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Frank Melton Jr. (US Army Retired), 87 years of age, of Stone Mountain Georgia, passed away in his home surrounded by the immense love of his family on 29 December 2020.
He was born in Columbia South Carolina on 27 December 1933, eventually graduating from Columbus High School in Columbus Georgia. Over the next twenty five years he chose to serve his country; first as a submariner aboard the USS Requin in the US Navy which he followed with a twenty one year career as an Intelligence Officer in the US Army. He then chose, for the sake of those he loved, to retire and pursue a civilian career in Personnel Management. During those years he dedicated to his family, he was active in his church and denomination eventually being recognized as Elder Emeritus in the Presbyterian Church in America. During his military career he served two tours in Vietnam- one with the 11th Armored Cavalry (Blackhorse) and a second with Military Assistance Command Vietnam- Studies and Observations Group. He also served as a military advisor during the Ethiopian Revolution. His decorations include two Bronze Stars with Valor Device, The Legion of Merit and The Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years Marilyn, three children: Lisa Cadora (Matthew), Linda Williams and Kenneth F Melton III (Holly), six grandchildren and one great grandchild.
This obituary is not meant as an announcement of mourning but as a celebration of a life well lived and the God that led it.
We Love You Pops…
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to either The 11th Armored Cavalry Blackhorse Association or The Wounded Warrior Project.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.wagesandsons.com
Services
Funeral Service: February 27, 2021 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Grace Church of All Nations
650 Rowland Road
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
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I had the privilege of working with Ken at the Peachtree Plaza from 1982-1985. He was a true professional, measured in his responses, unflappable in a crisis and generous with his wisdom. Although I would see him at various company events beyond those years, it has been decades since we last corresponded. Until we meet again kind and gentle soul.
My deepest sympathies to Ken’s family. I met Mr. Melton (Ken) in 1987 at The Westin Peachtree Plaza, and I consider Ken my first HR mentor. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that Ken afforded me, and feel blessed to have the benefit of his wisdom and experience. May he now rest in the place his Lord prepared for him.
Pops was a good, kind and gentle Christian man who became a terrific member of our extended family. Post retirement, Ken made regular appointments for play dates that included our grandson. Pop’s playdate routines were imaginative. They usually started with a visit to a play ground or an event the kids had never before experienced. Then, they always ended with a successful search for chicken nuggets, as many as a kid could eat.
What a joy! Great times for all involved. Pops will be missed by more than a few kids. Some small, some not so much anymore. He has gone on to better company.
My heart and prayers go to the entire Melton family. The heavens received a great man! I love you all and praying for you every day!
A good friend who knew my father by the name his grandkids called him, “Pops,” insisted that it was an acronym for “Prince of Peace.” No slight to the true Prince of Peace, who was the source of Dad’s aplomb and patience in all circumstances, whether it be cleaning torpedo tubes in a sub deep in the Mediterranean, briefing General Westmoreland on developments in Vietnam, securing intelligence for the U.S. Army while stateside and in country, or dealing with errant children, home upkeep, matters of church governance, fatherless grandsons, Mom’s advancing dementia, and hosts of other life challenges. He had a joie de vivre that allowed him to not take himself or his circumstances too seriously, and if you stood close enough to him, he would let you in on it with a cleverly amusing observation or pithy quip. “I have a bluebird in my heart,” he told me, quoting a favorite Over the Rhine song. Though he struggled with dyslexia as evidenced by his frequent and amusing malapropisms and creative spellings, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from North Georgia College, and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. All this in addition to two full careers and multiple awards, honors, and recognitions for accomplishment, character, and leadership. He wrote poetry, loved the Eagles, overtures, and hymns. He fought mightily to the end, determined to overcome his condition and be here always for his beloved “Curl,” his children and grandchildren and great-grandchild, beloved friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. He is resting now in a peace he knew but a taste of in this life and shared so generously with everyone. I love you, Dad. Opening my heart for a bluebird …
My Dad = the best man I know!! I realized early in my dating years that there IS NO man out there like my Dad. And for this reason I am honored to be able to call him that. Dad hated being still. He felt guilty when he could not help me do housework. My Dad was my best friend. We had a blast trying to create passwords we would never forget; then we would forget them. We sang karaoke in the kitchen and then had the best talks about the future. My Dads last words to me were “Trust God”!! He was a true example of someone who put their trust in the Lord. He had a kind, gentle soul…loved to be silly….loved the harmonica and could yotel like you would not believe!! We shared a lot in the last year. I am blessed to have been able to be his “caretaker” but more than that his daughter. I love you Dad and I miss you so much. Can’t wait to see you again one day. Save me a seat!!! ❤
Ken was one of the finest Christian men and Church Elders have ever known. He was calm, courageous and creative. I remember the times when he did a children’s sermon at church. He would call the children up and invite them to bring anything they had with them that was special. Then, on the spot he would tell a memorable message to them that was based on whatever they had brought. It was always to the point and pointed children to Jesus. He drove up from Stone Mountain one night to watch my son play high school football. He had just had his gall bladder removed the day before. All of my children remember the love that he showed to them and to our family and called him ‘Uncle Ken.’ Ken is missed but will not be forgotten.
Rest In Peace