Sgt. David W. Melton (Ret.) 68, of Martinsville passed away Saturday June 7, 2025 at home after a brief bout with cancer with his two sons by his side. He was born August 7, 1956 in Martinsville to the late Charles and Faris Melton. In addition to both parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother Timothy (Timmy) Melton.  He attended Laurel Park High School but prior to graduating he  enlisted in the military at age 17. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Ranger (Special Forces) with the 82nd Airborne Division. Although he did receive a GED; he also received a High School Diploma from the American Preparatory Institute of Killeen, Texas while enlisted. After 4 years of active duty spent mostly overseas in Vietnam, Germany, England, and other places throughout Europe during the Vietnam Conflict and at the height of the Cold War he was honorably discharged. Arriving home, he attended Patrick Henry Community College for several semesters before he was accepted into the Virginia State Police. After graduating from the VSP academy he served as a state trooper in several locations all while continuing his military service in the Army Reserves, achieving the rank of Corporal before also being honorably discharged. Continuing with the Virginia State Police he was elected to attend the United States Park Police motorcycle training program. Upon successful completion of that program, he was eligible to escort (on motorcycle) anyone from foreign dignitaries, up to and including the President of the United States as part of their motorcade. Shortly after David left the State Police and gave up his career to raise his oldest son Kenneth due to a divorce. He then worked locally at Bassett Walker in Security as one of the heads of Security until transitioning to the Martinsville City Farm detention center as a prison guard. During the years he worked for the City of Martinsville he eventually moved to the City Jail and continued as a Guard before retiring as a Sergeant at the age of 50.

A life spent in service of others; David was a good and just man, a loving father, a brother, and a son.... He will be greatly missed!
David is survived by two sons, Kenneth Melton and David Alan Melton. One grandson Blake Alan Melton, an older brother Gregory (Fuzzy) Melton and wife Gail Melton. His niece Jennifer Wylde and husband Jeff along with their 3 children. A nephew Robert Yearout, wife Glennda and their son. Also, several cousins and relatives through his first marriage that he always considered and treated as if they were his own regardless of circumstance.  In lieu of flowers we the family ask that you consider donating to St. Jude's in David's honor.

Services to honor David's life will be held 1:00 P.M. Monday, June 16, 2025, in Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home, with Director Kelly G. Ratcliff officiating, along with Members of the Virginia State Police, and Martinsville City Sheriff's Department. Burial will follow in Roselawn Burial Park with Military Honors provided by the Martinsville-Henry County Veteran's Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 A.M. until service time.

Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home and Burial Park entrusted with arrangements.