George Francis Melton, 89, took his final trip of his life in the morning of April 14, 2011 after a courageous battle with pneumonia. Never one to let the dust settle on his boots or to miss a good party, George treated his passage to Heaven as another great adventure, more akin to a long-delayed reunion with the many friends and family that passed before him than as an ending to his time here on earth. George left this earth with a strong faith in the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, which fueled an amazing spiritual strength and energy that grew exponentially just as his mortal body failed him here on earth.
George grew up in Dillon in the Beaverhead Valley and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. George returned to Dillon upon completion of his service to his country and married Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Cantrell, on July 25, 1948. George and Betty shared a love of children and had 9 of them, each of whom are two years apart. George and Betty later divorced after 33 years of marriage but always maintained a life-long kinship borne of their shared experiences in raising their children together.
George’s partiality to his children’s abilities was obvious, hilarious, and even, at times, embarrassing. But just by expressing it, he gave us all the spark of belief that we were fully capable of doing just about anything we decided on. He expressed himself through quiet and effective service to those around him. From fixing his kids fishing poles on the spot from willow wands, line and safety pins, to carpentry big and small, working on cars, instructing how to take a lawnmower apart in his 80’s, he was the go-to guy. His many skills were amplified by his generosity and enjoyment in applying those skills to help those around him whenever he found someone in need.
George was preceded in death by his parents James and Anna, brothers Jim, Chester, and Johnny and grandson Nick Melton. George is survived by his sister Mary Dastyck (husband George of Tucson); former wife and continued friend Betty Melton of Missoula; daughters Marianne Vigeland (husband Tor and children Elizabeth and Andrew) of Missoula, Viki Melton (children Luke (wife Crystal and children Kaleb and Kaden), Reese (wife Rita and children June and Emmett), and Mesquite) of Darby, Lisa Palazzi (husband Dave and children Jake and Fiona) of Olympia, Washington, Tina Melton (children Arliss, Tess and Ryan) of Missoula, and Tammie Jones (husband Brent and children Zach and Gabe) of Helena; sons Douglas Melton (son Cody (wife Pam and son Joel), wife Holly and stepchildren Sidney, Lilia and Sophia) of Helena, Lance Melton (wife Cynthia and daughter Bella) of Helena, Sean Melton (wife Jenet and children Ethan, Trey, and Mia) of Helena, and Skye Melton of Seattle, Washington; and friend Vi Ellington of Huntington Beach, California.
George always took pride in his status as a third generation Montanan and carried a lifelong love of the beautiful Beaverhead Valley in his heart to the very end when he talked about going to his father’s cabin south of Dillon one more time in the last days of his life. We know he is there now, fly-fishing with a Joe’s Hopper on the Beaverhead River with his Dad by his side.
A memorial service in George’s honor will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Covenant United Methodist Church, 2330 East Broadway, Helena, with Pastor David Andersen presiding. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Barbara Sheridan says
We,of the Helena Area Transit Service wish to send our condolences to the family of George Melton.
George was one of our “regulars”. He will always be remembered as kind,respectful,polite, caring, and down right funny guy. It was a pleasure for us and other passengers to have had the chance to have “George” ride.
We miss him but remember him with a smile.
Thank You
Barbara Sheridan
Admin. Assistant
Helena Area Transit Service
Dave Dalthorp says
The obituary was a masterpiece. It sounds like George was a good and decent man, a find father, and an all around great guy. Lance, Sean and the siblings I don’t know–You certain have a treasure trove of fond memories of your father to visit often. My condonences to all of you.
-Dave Dalthorp
David Dastyck says
God Bless George Melton for all Eternity and the Melton Family in thier loss. I wish I could post pictures here. I have acouple of great ones you might all enjoy. George Melton will live on in our hearts and in our minds. He has not left us. He is just waiting for us to join him in his newest walk with GOD. Love from the Dastycks to the Meltons.
Janis Torpey says
Lance, My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your father. May your memories of your father keep him close to your heart hereafter.
Janis Torpey
Chair – Ramsay School Dist.#3
Llew and Carole Jones says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marc and Linda Ellington says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Rhonda Strainer-Score says
Viki and family,
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I had the pleasure of his company just once but certainly enjoyed visiting with him. From the very nice obit I’m certain he lead a very fruitful life and is doing the same right now!
You are, and will continue in the coming days, to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rhonda
Richard Dastyck says
We had the pleasure of spending time with George when he visited my parents (Mary and George) in Utica New York. We also spent time with him when we celebrated my Dad’s birthday in California. George was a warm and kind man. We truly enjoyed the time we spent with him. Please except our heartfelt sympathy. May he have eternal peace at home with the Lord. Rich and Hedy Dastyck
robin says
He will be missed? He was always riding the bus around town! Keeup up the smile.
Sandi Benson says
Lance and Cindy: I was sorry to read of your loss. May the days ahead bring you peace and understanding. God Bless!
Steve Johnson says
Lance:
I am sorry to here about the loss of your Father. I have not had the pleasure of meeting your family but what a wonderful obituary in honor of your fathers life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tim Tharp says
My sympathy and prayers to the entire Melton family in your time of loss.
Tom McLaughlin says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tom Mclaughlin and the Board and staff at Hellgate Elementary
Vickie Rauser says
Doug & Family,
My prayers & condolences to you on the loss of your father. I know your many memories of him will ease your pain.