John Harvey Melton, 72, of New Castle passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at his residence. He was born January 14, 1950 in Ridgeville, Indiana, a son of the late James Hershell and Edna Mae (Cooksey) Melton.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during Vietnam and also served in the National Guard. John retired from Chrysler Corporation in 2008, following over 35 years of service. He had also worked for Midland Delivery Service, Pendleton Reformatory and was a driver for the Amish. John attended First Church of the Nazarene where he was involved with the JOY club and the men’s ministry. He was also a member of the American Legion. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed camping, fishing, attending auctions, western movies and road trips. Above all, John loved spending time with his family and witnessing for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Cindy (Swift) Melton, whom he married December 28, 1969; five children, Jennifer Lynn Boggs (Johnny McLaurin) of New Castle, John Matthew Melton of Rising Sun, Eddie (Donna) Melton of Economy, Autumn Lynn Powell of New Castle and Kevin Wayne Melton of New Castle; 12 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren (and 2 on the way); his mother-in-law, Vera Swift of New Castle; several nieces & nephews; brothers-in-law Jeff Swift and Timothy Swift (Rachel) and sisters-in-law, Carol Hamby and Phyllis Swift.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a grandson: Austin Roach; siblings, Oral “Red” Melton, Charlie Melton, Reba Griffith, Anna Marie King, Edith Hipshire, Bonnie Ramey, Laura “Lori” Beckley and Christine Melton; in-laws, Stephen, Jerry, Paula Jeanette, Brian and Karen Swift and Cathy Keesling.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2022 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Danny Goddard officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn Addition. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until time of services Monday at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted by a contingent of the US Army, the American Legion and the VFW. You may express condolences or share a memory of John at www.hinsey-brown.com.