Reverend Maurice Ray Melton

Reverend Maurice Ray Melton, 86, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 7:15 am, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh.  A true disciple of Jesus Christ, God has welcomed him home.

Maurice was born to the late Murphy and Frances (Brooks) Melton, in Sebree, Kentucky on December 27, 1931.  He was a 1949 Graduate of Sebree High School and then proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict.  He married his sweetheart, Esther Mitzie Takacs July 4, 1954, in Princeton, IN.  During their 63 years together, they raised their four daughters and became grandparents to three beautiful grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  Maurice was ordained at Heritage Baptist Church and became pastor there in 1968.  He was a humble man of God and a mentor to many.  An incredible speaker; his sermons came directly from the Bible. His knowledge of the Bible was unsurpassed.  The service on Sunday, January 28, 2018, celebrated his 50th anniversary as Pastor of Heritage Baptist Church and was followed by a celebration dinner.  A message from Pastor Melton to his congregation said, “I have been honored and privileged beyond words to Pastor this wonderful church for these many years.  This is a day I will never forget.”  Among his many honors, Maurice received an Honorary Doctor of Ministry degree from Delaware College of the Bible in 2000.  He was also co-founder and chairman of the Faith Heritage Christian School.

He enjoyed sports, especially baseball and football, and often shared that enjoyment with his congregation in his sermons and at special tailgater events at the church.  Maurice was a huge Cubs fan. When the Cubs won the World Series, he was elated!  He was overjoyed to have had the opportunity to attend a Cubs game with his family in 2017.  Maurice was also a big fan of the UK Wildcats. He loved to read and was quite the history buff. 

Maurice is survived by his wife, Esther Mitzie (Takacs) Melton; children, Beth Ann Melton of Evansville, IN, Gale R. Bourland of Evansville, IN, and Eden L. Michael (Jay) of Paducah, KY; grandchildren, Elijah C. Bourland (Morgan),  Lee D. Bourland, and Bailey E. Michael; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Bourland; and his beloved cat, Muffin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his daughter, Dr. Jeanne Marie Melton in April, 2016.

Funeral Services will be held at 11am, Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Heritage Baptist Church, 1900 Lodge Ave., Evansville, IN with Reverend Jack Slough officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.  

Friends may visit from 4 pm until 8 pm, Friday, February 16, 2018 at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville and again from 10 am to time of service at 11 am at Heritage Baptist Church on Saturday.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Heritage Baptist Church, 1900 Lodge Ave., Evansville, IN  47714.           

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net    

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