JOHN F. MELTON

CHARLESTON - John Franklin Melton, 86, of Charleston, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, with family at his side.

The funeral service honoring his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2026 at Family Worship Center, 5475 Lerna Road, Mattoon, with Pastor Brad Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery, Charleston. Casket bearers will be Bob Martin, Lee Wood, Bryce Ammon, Zachary Wood, Nicholas Wood, and Dean Stout. The honorary casket bearer will be Michael Wood. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.

John was born January 28, 1940 in Morgan Township, Coles County, Illinois, son of John Orley and Mary Emma (Pedigo) Melton. He married Shirley Jean Alexander, February 15, 1969 at First Church of God, Charleston. She preceded him into Heaven, December 14, 2010. He is survived by their children, Patty (Bob) Martin of Charleston and Jenny (Lee) Wood of Manhattan, KS; grandchildren, Bryce Ammon, Brooke (Dean) Stout, Brittany Ammon, Michael Wood, Nicholas Wood, and Zachary Wood, great-grandchildren, Elena Ammon, Rowan Ammon, Owen Lovell, Mia Lovell, Ava Stout, and Barrett Stout, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four sisters, Mildred Wright, Alice Hayes, Shirley Cline, and Joan Daniels, and twin grandchildren, Kayleigh and Kyle Ammon.

John grew up on a farm, and provided for his family working as a Carpenter. He was a member of Family Worship Center. John enjoyed playing cards and treasured time spent with family.