John Louis Melton, 88, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 4:22 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
John was born May 10, 1935, in Galesburg, the son of W. Walter and LaVonne Mae (Robertson) Melton. John graduated from ROVA High School in 1953 and attended Brown’s Business College in Galesburg for two years taking classes in accounting.
John married Barbara Eileen Stuart on July 29, 1956. Together they had two children, son, Kim M. Melton and daughter, Tami L. Melton both of Galesburg. They later divorced. John married Martha M. (Gutman) Markham on July 16, 1978, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Marty has two children, Dr. Anthony Markham of Dubuque, Iowa, and Diane Markham of Moline, Illinois. John is survived by his wife, Marty of Galesburg; his children and stepchildren; one brother, Dale Melton of Galesburg; nine step-grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren. Along with his parents, John was preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara Hoskins and Joan Adams; a sister-in-law, Susan Melton; and a brother-in-law, Maynard Adams.
At a young age, John learned his strong work ethic. He earned money mowing yards and anything else that needed to be done. He spent his summers working for various farmers doing anything needed. He began working at OMC Gale Products in Galesburg on September 1, 1953, working his way through the ranks and retired after 31 ½ years as a department foreman. John was an avid Chicago Sports fan, especially the Bears and the Cubs.
John requested his remains be donated to science. A private family scattering of his cremated remains will be at a later date at the East Linwood Scattering Gardens, Galesburg, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
