John Lee Melton, born January 23, 1937, passed away the afternoon of April 20, 2024, at home in the presence of loved ones. He was 87.

John was born in Reagan, Tennessee, the first of seven children of James Homer and Bessie Jane Melton. After spending his childhood and teen years in Henderson County, Tennessee, John joined the United States Navy in 1955, retiring in 1976, finishing as first-class petty officer, aviation structural mechanic. Over the 20 years of his time in the U.S. Navy, John served at 10 different naval air bases, on three aircraft carriers and a seaplane tender, worked on 10 different types of Navy aircraft and with multiple Navy squadrons. He received commendations and favorable citations from every squadron with which he served, including Sailor of the Month and Sailor of the Year.

After leaving the U.S. Navy in 1976, John worked for a fencing and awning home improvement company, then again for the U.S. Navy as a civilian until his family moved to Lewisville, TX in August of 1982. There he worked for a Christian publishing company as a customer service representative for the next 22 years, retiring in 2004.

While stationed in Corpus Christi, TX in 1956, John met his wife-to-be, Maria Castillo. The two were married in July 1958, and were together for 61 years until her passing in February 2020.

John was a man of deep faith and with his wife Maria found a wonderful community in retirement at Covenant Church in Carrollton, TX, where they attended for more than 20 years. The seniors' group at Covenant afforded them a thriving fellowship with whom they celebrated many activities. Above all, John loved his family, and his most treasured moments were spent in their company over the years, including his extended family in Jackson, TN, his wife's family in Corpus Christi, and his own immediate family in Denton, Texas.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife Maria (2020) and his son Bruce Dean (1969) John is survived by five sisters and a brother: Juanita Shewmaker, Wanda Jane Cogbill, Mary Nell Sanford, Vera Lou Tillman, Norma Jean Maness, and James Melton. He is also survived by four children: Matthew, Miriam Sheehan, Lee, and Samuel; six grandchildren: Nicholas Melton, John Robert Sheehan, Deanna Gottardi, Ashley Niño, Tanya Bosquez, and Emilia Melton; and four great grandchildren: James Gottardi, Elaina Gottardi, Eiliyah Niño and Bruce Dean Niño.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday evening, April 27th, from 6-8 pm at Lifeline Church, 2800 Pennsylvania Dr., Denton, TX 76205.

A family graveside service will take place at the Dallas National Cemetery on Monday, April 29th.

A Memorial Service celebrating the lives of John Lee and Maria Castillo Melton will take place in Jackson, TN in mid-May, details to be announced.