Rev. Gary Eugene Melton Sr., 77, of Bolair, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ peacefully on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Webster County Memorial Hospital. He was born October 16, 1943 in South Bend, Indiana, a son of the late Eugene and Sylvia Hawkins Melton.

Gary has always been a people person, having owned a restaurant in his early years, working long, hard hours to provide for his family. He did countless hours of community service, always helping others in their time of need. In March of 1997, Gary took on the task of founding the Mountain Market Place Mission in Bolair. Through his timeless work and dedication, it has provided much needed food and clothing for the people of Webster and surrounding counties. His love for helping others, up until his passing, will always be an inspiration to others. In his younger years, Gary enjoyed hunting, bow fishing, going to church, and mission work. He was always thinking of helping others through the work of God.

Surviving is his loving wife and best friend, Lillie Shindledecker Melton, sons, Gary (Linda) Melton Jr., of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Stephen (Eileen) Melton of Union Mills, North Carolina and Shon Melton of Royale, North Carolina, grandchildren, Lauren, Leanna, Stephanie, Stephen, Brayden, Jonathon, Samuel and Celina, great-grandchildren, Fisher, Hunter, Evan, Owen and special friends whom he treated as family, Shirley, John and Nancy and countless friends will miss him dearly.

In addition to his parents, daughter, Darlene Dougherey, brother, David Melton, and grandson, Landon preceded him in death.

Services will be held at 12:00 Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Morris Funeral Home, Cowen with Pastor Terry Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow at the Mountain Mission Cemetery, Bolair. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11:00am until the time of services Thursday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com

Due to current Covid-19 pandemic CDC and State recommendations for social distancing and facial coverings are required.

Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home.