Donald C. Melton

Donald Clarence Melton, 91, of Tecumseh, passed away Friday, March 14, 2008 at Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center.

Donald was born February 19, 1917 in Tecumseh.  He attended Tecumseh Schools and Seaman High School.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Annie Dange Melton, a son Gary Eugene Melton on February 13, 2008, a brother Roland Melton and a sister Dorothy.

Donald married Marcella VanHole in Topeka, April 14, 1941, she survives.

He was a former member of Assumption Catholic Church and was active at St. Matthew Catholic Church at the time of his death.  He was a life member of Knights of Columbus Council #534.

Donald served in the Army during WW II.

He owned and operated Melton’s Sales and Service, the first recreational vehicle dealership in Topeka, and organized the Topeka R.V. Dealers Association and served as president.

Donald was employed by the Kansas Department of Transportation and the AFSCME Labor organization.  He owned Melton Escort Services from 1992 to 2006 and enjoyed escorting over 835,000 miles.

He was a member of the American Legion Capitol Post #1, permanent member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.  He was a past member of the Moose Lodge #555 and several square dance clubs.

Don was a community leader for the Tecumseh 4-H Club and organized the Tecumseh Teen Town for the youth of the community.

He and his wife enjoyed traveling extensively in the 50 states and numerous foreign countries.  Many of the trips were with the Winnebago Camping Club of which he was an honorary member.  They spent their winters at their winter home in Mission, Texas.  Survivors besides his wife of 66 years are a daughter, Celia Sue Laird (Charles) of Tecumseh, a daughter-in-law Elizabeth Melton of Casper, Wyoming.  Six grandchildren; Drs. Timothy (Rosemary) Laird of Melbourne, Florida, Daniel (Suzanne) Laird of Clive, Iowa, Michael (Catherine) Laird of Gardner, Kansas and Patrick Laird of Baltimore, Maryland, Katherine Janda of Denver, Colorado, Alex Mastema of Bellingham, Washington.  Ten great grandchildren; Ben, Anne, Sarah, and Katherine of Melbourne; Madison, Maggie, Morgan and McLain of Clive; and Adam and Sam of Gardner.  A brother Harold Melton of Belleville, Kansas survives him as well as many nieces and nephews.  He will be missed by many, but especially by his pug, Buddy Boy.

Donald will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Tuesday after 2:00 p.m. where the following will be held, Daughters of Isabella Rosary at 5:00 p.m., Vigil Prayer Service 5:30 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary 6:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Matthew Catholic Church.  Donald will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour at the church.  Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Matthew Capital Campaign and sent in care of the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Avenue, 66603.

Online condolences may be made to www.brennanmathenafh.com.