George Melton
April 14, 1930 - June 20, 2009
Wife: Beverly “Bebe” Melton
Children: Gordon Melton (Susan), Georganna “Gigi” McCune, Pat Melton (Donna), Grant Melton (Stephanie), Chris Melton (Sarah)
Grandchilden: Patrick, Matthew, Jacob, Grace, Jonathan and Timothy Melton
George Melton, former Metro Louisville council member, district alderman and retired Jefferson County police detective, passed away Saturday, June 20, at his home in Shelbyville. Mr. Melton served the Louisville/Jefferson County community for more than 50 years through law enforcement, politics and as a businessman.
During his term as 7th Ward Alderman from 1998-2002, and 15th District Metro Council member from 2002-2005, Mr. Melton championed projects including the Iroquois Park Winterfest, the Iroquois amphitheater, South Louisville Festival and Parade, and he drafted the legislation for the smoking ordinance.
Mr. Melton was a member of the Louisville and Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee and served numerous years as 38th legislative district chairman. He was a past president of the Pat Greenwell Club, and member of the Shively Democrat Club, the Grassroots Democrat Club and the Moose Green Democrat Club.
Mr. Melton began his law enforcement career as a beat patrolman and served in various capacities including motorcycle patrol, and more than 20 years as a detective, including a term in the Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.
Mr. Melton was a 1949 graduate of Valley High School and received training from Louisville/Jefferson County Police/FBI, Eastern Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University, and the University of Louisville.
Mr. Melton was a charter member of the Jefferson County Fraternal Order of the Police where he served Lodge 14 as president (1969-72) and vice president (1965-1969). He served as national trustee on the FOP National Board of Directors (1971-1974). He was a member of the Jefferson County Crime Commission (1969-1973).
Mr. Melton managed two farms, a sporting goods store and Melton’s Fruit Basket in Shively, and was baptized at and a member of Shively Baptist Church.
Mr. Melton was the devoted husband of Beverly Melton (Bebe) and the loving father of Gordon (Susan) from Louisville, Georganna (Gigi) of Simpsonville, Pat (Donna) of Frankfort, Grant (Stephanie) of Shelbyville, and Chris (Sarah) Melton of Louisville. He spent the last several years enjoying his family and his grandchildren Patrick, Matthew, Jacob, Grace, Jonathan and Timothy Melton.
Mr. Melton was preceded in death by his parents George and Hettie Reinert Melton and several siblings. He is survived by one sister, Doris Minter.
Visitation for Mr. Melton will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. on Wednesday at Owen Funeral Home on Dixie Highway. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. with burial following at South Jefferson Cemetery. Online condolences to www.owenfuneralhome.com
Children and grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.