Kenneth L. Melton

Kenneth L Melton, age 92, a resident of Bruce Township since 1996, passed away on February 11, 2026 while a resident at the Assisted Living Center at Orchard Grove, Romeo, MI. Ken was born August 10, 1933 in Greenway, Arkansas, the son of Lester and Maybelle (Webster) Melton. He married Evelyn F. Hangsdorfer on April 18, 1952. While residing in Garden City, Michigan, they had three children, Kenneth Jr, Linda, and Richard. They divorced in 1983. He married Delores V. Hizer on October 3, 1988 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ken worked as a Millwright and belonged to the Millwright Local #1102 in Warren since 1951. He was an active Millwright for 52 years and an elected Trustee for the Local for 37 years. Ken also led the apprentice program for 35 years. He joined the Shriner's Organization in 1961, and became a 32nd Degree Mason in 1963.

When he wasn't working, he enjoyed boating, hunting, snowmobiling with his many friends. He loved climbing and cutting down trees, building trailers and unbelievable apparatus' and tinkering in his garage. There was always a plan to fix or build something. In 1994, he purchased the lot on Excalibur Lane and began building the home of his dreams in the most appropriately named sub: “Camelot.” He was involved, and in charge of every aspect building his forever home. He absolutely LOVED Bruce Township. He often said that his only regret was that he had not moved there sooner. He said that he felt the hug of his neighbors every time he drove into the sub. They were family to him and he truly loved them.

He then began working on countless projects to beautify Bruce Township, and was a strong supporter of the Bruce Township Fire Department. He installed numerous benches and planted trees in remembrance of lost loved ones, and could often be seen cutting down and removing dead trees and branches. Then, he added a flagpole with an American flag and a POW-MIA flag. This was the start of him building the Military Memorial in the park behind the Township Hall. He made so many friends while he was in the park; everyone knew and loved Ken. He worked tirelessly on this project to honor and respect our veterans, and stood proud and humble at the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony September 7, 2023. He always carried flag pins and offered one to everyone he met.

Ken is survived by his daughter, Linda Mound of Superior Township, MI, granddaughter, LaChelle (William) Patail, great-granddaughter, Oaklyn Patail, of Pinckney, MI, sister, Sharon Bailey of Belleville, MI, nieces, Heather (Ron), Heidi (Steve), Kasey, Sophia, nephew Noah, and his many neighbors and friends he lovingly referred to as his extended family. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Lester and Maybelle Melton, sons Kenneth Melton Jr and Richard Melton, brother Gary Melton, his wife Delores Melton, and son in law Gerald Mound.

Celebration of Life will take place at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, Romeo, MI on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 2 - 8 pm with a service from 10 - 11 on Friday, March 13, 2026.

A luncheon to honor Ken will be held at Graystone Golf Club in Washington immediately following.