Obituary: H. V. Jerry Melton

H. V. Jerry Melton 1935 ~ 2007 Hubert Vernal "Jerry" Melton, a loving husband and dedicated father returned home to his Father in Heaven on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jerry was born to Verna Lucille Josephine Aamodt and Hubert Edward Melton on April 29, 1935 in Los Angeles, California. Jerry found his eternal companion Jacqueline Lou Hatch, and they were sealed on September 5, 1958 in the Los Angeles LDS Temple. They were married for nearly 50 years. Jerry enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Japan for two years. He earned his Associates Degree from East LA Junior College. Later, attended the LA Sheriff's Academy and upon completion he began his career as a Deputy Sheriff with the LA County Sheriff's Department. His career lasted 20 years with the Sheriff's Department and after retiring he worked security at the Los Angeles LDS Temple. Jerry and Jackie raised their 13 children: Jeri Melton, Jana Vradenburg, Jon (Julie) Melton, Juli (Randy) Kone, Jeffrey (Stacey) Melton, Jean (Jeffery) Abram, Jay (Lynn) Melton, Joy (David) Olsen, Joel (Lori) Melton, Jason (Sherry) Melton, Jodi (Robert) Christensen, Jamie Melton, and Jill Melton. They have 52 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Jerry is survived by his mother, Verna Melton, brother, Michael Melton, and two sisters, Penny Pederson and Barbara Phay. Jerry was preceded in death by his father Hubert Melton. Jerry was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as Elders Quorum President, Seventies Group Leader, and High Priest Group Instructor. He also served as a Young Adult Leader, a Sunday School Teacher, a Sunday School President, and a Librarian. He was a member of the Scottish Society; he loved painting, genealogy, drama, and music. He loved the scriptures and patterned his life after the prophets. Jerry had a gentle disposition and he loved all God's children. He respected all women and he was an example to all who knew him. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. A family viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. and Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m., Saturday April 14, 2007 at the River Ridge 3rd Ward Building, 1244 W Chavez Drive, South Jordan, Utah. Interment, Larkin Sunset Gardens.