Vernon C. Melton, 85

Vernon C. Melton, 85, of Bluffton, passed away at 10:55 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in Bonita Springs, Fla. 
Vernon was born in Leslie County, Ky., Feb. 4, 1927, to Lawrence Joe Melton and Lillie (Colwell) Melton. He married Audrey J. Lovell Oct. 31, 1946, in Bluffton. She preceded him in death on March 18, 2000.
Vernon was a foundry molder by trade and worked for four years at the Red Cross Foundry and eleven years at the Pontiac Foundry.  After leaving foundry work, he was self-employed in general construction until he retired. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, a member of American Legion Post 111, and a former member of Prairie Methodist Church.
Vernon is survived by two sons, Larry Melton and Randy (Teresa) Melton, both of Bluffton; three daughters, Sonja (William) Habig of Fort Myers, Fla., Linda (Lance) Dolby of Urbana and Peggy (Jeff) Nash of Bluffton; one sister, Rancie Ellenberger of Bluffton; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers, James Marvin Melton, Alvy Melton, and Joe Melton; and two sisters, Loretta Stauffer and Edna Dellinger. 
Calling hours are from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, at the Thoma/Rich, Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home. A service celebrating Vernon’s life will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, at the funeral home with Certified Funeral Celebrant Jeff Lemler officiating.  Burial will be in Elm Grove Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 111 and the U.S. Army Honor Guard. 
Preferred memorials are to Joanne’s House At Hope Hospice.
Online condolences: www.thomarich.com