Centralia Newspaper:

Claude O. "Dick" Melton, 78, of 1200 W th ST, Plaza Verde, formerly of 635 Dimick ST. died yesterday at St. Mary's Hospital following an extended illness.

Mr. Melton was born at Walnut Hill, the son of Joseph R. and Hattie Melton and lived all his life in the Walnut Hill and Centralia area. On May 14, 1921 in Centralia he married Faye Henson, who survives.

In earlier years he worked as a fireman for the Illinois Central Railroad and later as a laborer. He was member of the Little Grove Christian Church at Walnut Hill and Laborer's Local #19.

Survivors in addition to his widow Robert L. of Centralia, William of Eldora, Iowa, three daughters, Mrs. LaDonne Leyerle of Central City, Mrs. Juanita Duff of Centralia, and Mrs. Beverly Sue Shiver of Homestead, Florida; a brother Charles of Centralia, three sisters, Mrs. Mae Sanders, Mrs. Grace McMenany and Mrs. Louise McKinney, all of Centralia; 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Burial at Elmwood Cemetery.