James A. (Shorty) Melton, 81, of Lono passed away Friday, December 7, 2012 at the Baptist Medical Center in Arkadelphia. He was born May 4, 1931, in Winn Parish, Louisiana the son of Luther Henry and Sarah Tennessee (McDaniel) Melton. He was retired after many years with Reynolds Metal Co. He was fifty plus year member of Bethlehem and Rockport Masonic Lodges and a member of Hunter's Chapel United Methodist Church. James loved to fish, was a skilled repairman, enjoyed coaching baseball and softball, was a master Checker player and will be remembered as a generous person. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Aron L. Melton and Earnest Melton; one sister, Carolyn Melton; and son-in-law, Al Harrell.

Left to cherish his memory, wife of 62 years Patsy Heard Melton to whom he married on July 22, 1950; his children, Dr. Carolyn Sue Melton Eoff (Roy Lee) of Arkadelphia, James "Jim" Melton (Nancy) of Lono, Russell Melton (Susan) of Little Rock, Tammy Harrell of Lono; brother, Leonard Melton (Angie) of Columbia, LA; sister, Syble DeLoach (Tom) of Henderson, TX; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 9, from 1:00-2:00pm at Regency Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be Sunday, December 9, at 2:00pm in the Regency Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend James Batts officiating. Burial will be at Lono Cemetery with Masonic Rites. Pallbearers will be Robert Eoff, Jason Melton, Scott Melton, John Melton, Jesse Melton, Patrick Harrell, John Heard, and Steve Heard. Honorary pallbearer is Otis Brumley.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital or the Lono Cemetery Association.

Arrangements by Regency Funeral Home. Sign the Guest book at regencyfuenralhome.com.