Edward Melton

Edward Vaughn Melton left this life on September 24, 2016. He walked quietly and calmly from the arms of his family and friends, into the loving arms of his savior, Jesus Christ. Edward was born February 2, 1970 in Wenatchee, WA to John and LauVonne Melton. Edward was saved and dedicated his life to Jesus in 1977 at the age of seven, and was baptized on Christmas Day. He graduated from Wenatchee High School and immediately joined the Navy. After his discharge from the Navy, he returned home to obtain his two-year Associates Degree from Wenatchee Valley College. From there, he attended Western Washington University and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology with a minor in philosophy. He went on to attend University of Washington and while in Seattle, he met Suzanne Elenich. Together, they moved to Maryland, where she became a Certified Equestrian Instructor and he became a Certified Farrier. After completing their schooling, they made their way back to Washington and settled in Federal Way. While Suz continued her equestrian career, Edward found employment in a number of places. He accepted a position in maintenance and soon became the supervisor for an apartment complex. It was during this time he became interested in learning about low voltage electronics. Edward found out he had cancer in 2014. After surgery and treatment, he continued to pursue his interest in low voltage electronics and became an apprentice in that field. He was working as a contracted employee for Boeing when they found out his health would no longer allow him to work in this field. He immediately pursued opportunities to teach creative writing to students in an effort to pursue his certification to teach. Edward was a sponge for learning and meeting people. To his family, he was a wanderer, but to God, he was a teacher of how one should be a friend. While many of us are building walls around ourselves in our lives and careers, Edward was reaching out to his fellow man from Washington State to Maryland, and back again. With kindness, loyalty, generosity and acceptance, he showed all who crossed his path his true self. Edward was an intelligent, curious child who followed his mother around the house relentlessly asking question after question. Once, she closed the door between them for just a moment, and at three years old, he had not finished asking his question, he put his little mouth to the crack in the door and pressed for just one more answer to the important subject on his mind. As an adult, he could carry on a meaningful conversation with anyone who happened to be in his general area, and could talk intelligently on almost any subject. His many friends can attest to his appreciation for individuality, and personal growth. He accepted people no matter where they were in life without judgement or compromise. Edward is in heaven, in the truest sense. We can only imagine his excitement today, as he speaks to those who hold answers to the questions that remained unanswered here on earth. We are sure he is picking the brains of Martin Luther King, Jr., President Lincoln, and a host of others: and we rejoice. We find peace knowing that Edward has finally met his little brother, Joshua; said hi to his Grandma, Lorraine; mama, E.C.; and papa, Pete Melton; hugged his cousin, Jenny Mathews; said hi to auntie Bonnie and auntie Debra. Edward is survived by his soulmate, Suzanne Elenich of Federal Way, WA; parents, John and LauVonne Melton of Wenatchee, WA; aunts and uncles: Orville and Kathy Ochs, Eldon (Eno) and Lori Ochs, Dolonne “Donnie” Beem, Donald and Kelli Melton, Dennis and Shirley Carey, all of Wenatchee, WA; and aunt, Connie Melton of Yakima, WA; and many cousins and friends. Edward was preceded in death by his infant brother, Joshua John; grandparents: Lorraine Ochs, Ireneaus “Edward” Ochs, Otis “Pete” Melton, E.C. Melton; aunts: Bonnie Melton, Debra Ochs and Vickie Villa. His Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 30, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Wenatchee Valley Baptist Church, located at 650 Crawford St., Wenatchee, WA. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lighthouse Ministries or Wenatchee Valley Baptist Church. Arrangements are by Telford’s Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA.