Obituary of Lonnie Melton

Lonnie Melton was born December 10th, 1938, to Lillian Cooper Melton and Moses Melton in Philadelphia, P.A. Lonnie was the youngest of three boys, Moses Melton Junior and Charles Melton. Lonnie is a graduate of Overbrook High School, West Philadelphia class of 1957. He enrolled in Temple University, where he received his certificate Mechanical Design, Associate Degree and Engineering Technology, and Bachelors Science in Mechanical Engineering from Temple University Class of 1974. Lonnie married Jean Skerrett in 1959, the union produced four children, Troy Kevin Melton, Todd Eric Melton, Trevor Kyle Melton and Terrell Glen Melton. Lonnie and Jean moved from Philadelphia to Camden, New Jersey and their first born. They remained in Camden City until 1972. Lonnie moved his family to Chestnut Avenue, West Berlin, New Jersey in 1972. Lonnie became an instant contributor to the West Berlin Community, by volunteering as a basketball coach and referee. He became known to the youth of Berlin as Coach Melton. He always took the time to engage and provide helpful advice to all the youth of the Berlin Community. Many in the community thought he was a teacher since he was often seen wearing a suit and tie. Lonnie supported his family working for RCA, as a draftsman, Langston Company, Machine Designer, 3M Company as an Advance Project Engineer, Penn-Field Industries, as a Chief Engineer and ERICO Fasting System as the Mechanical Engineering Manager, Moorestown, NJ. Lonnie started Melton Industries in 1988, he specialized in designing and building special purpose automated machinery to manufacturing parts and accessories for stud welding equipment. Lonnie retired for full-time in 2004. Lonnie enjoyed watching his four sons participate in sports, (Baseball, Basketball, Football and Hockey). When he wasn’t working or attending sports events for his sons, you could always find him doing home improvement projects. Lonnie, enjoyed bowling and casino outings with his wife. However, prior to the casinos opening in Atlantic City, Lonnie could be found playing pinochle with John Chambers Senior and Marcus Alston Senior on a Saturday night. Lonnie also was an excellent pool and chess player and made sure all his sons learned how to play chess. He often said “life is often a game of chess.” Lonnie and Jean reminded married until February 28, 2013, when his beloved wife 56 years passed. He leaves behind two sons, Terrell, Trevor, grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.