Oliver L. Melton

Oliver L. Melton, Jr., 82, of Morganton died Thursday, April 7, 2011 at Grace Hospital. Born April 28, 1928 in Rutherford County, he was a son of the late Oliver Lawson Melton, Sr. and Lola Daisy Long Melton. Oliver was a retired employee of Broughton Hospital. He was a US Army veteran, and a former member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was an active participant in programs at the Burke County Senior Citizens Center where he also volunteered. Oliver loved hiking with the Foothills Hoofers, ballroom dancing, and square dancing, but horses were his passion. He was an avid recreational rider. A man of deep faith, Oliver was a former member of Bethel United Methodist Church on Bethel Rd., and a current member at Calvary Lutheran Church. He was a devoted and loving husband and father.He is survived by his wife, Kathryne Causby Melton of the home; daughters, Myelitia Melton of Mooresville, and Trina Melton Barrier and husband, Tim of Morganton; a sister, Clara Humphries of Charlotte; a number of nieces and nephews; a host of friends; and his faithful feline companion, "Sweetie".In addition to his parents, Oliver was preceded in death by brothers, David and Paul Melton; and sisters, Sarah Rockett, Ethel Greene, Ruth Hahn, Loree Hoare, Eunice Toney, and Elsie Whitehead.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2011 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Michael F. Riley officiating, and military honors by the NC National Guard. A private graveside service for his family will be held at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Saturday one hour before the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 119 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655, or to Burke United Christian Ministries, 305-B W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655.