Submitted by: John C. Monk

 

Donald E. Melton

Aug. 14, 1943 - May 1, 2010
OSCEOLA - Donald E. "Donnie" Melton, 66, of Osceola, passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 1, 2010. Donnie was born August 14, 1943, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Gerald and Faye (Bailey) Melton. On October 5, 1968, Donnie was married in Ottumwa to Ms. Rebecca Aeschliman. His wife Rebecca survives along with his daughter, Amy Jo Melton of Pembroke Pines, Florida. Donnie is also survived by his mother, Faye Melton of Ottumwa, Iowa, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. His daughter, Makenzie Melton, preceded him in death, passing away in 2001, and his father preceded him in death as well. Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm today, May 5, 2010, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 6, 2010, in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, with Rev. Clearence Dycus officiating. Interment will take place at a later time in Ottumwa, Iowa. Donnie was employed by Vaughn Motors in Ottumwa for 25 years, and then by Gurley Leep Motors in Mishawaka as a wholesale buyer for 15 years. He was the remarketing manager for Tri-Force Remarketing/Second Source Recovery. Donnie enjoyed collecting and restoring cars, and attended many automobile auctions throughout the Midwest, where he was well-liked and respected by many automotive dealers. In his spare time he was an avid follower of NASCAR racing, with his favorite driver being the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Melton family. Online condolences may be sent to the Meltons at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on May 5, 2010