Former southwest Missouri state Sen. Emory Melton died Dec. 26. He was 92.
From 1973 to 1997, the Republican senator represented the
29th District, which now comprises Barry, Lawrence, McDonald, Stone and Taney counties. David Sater currently holds the seat.
In a news release, Gov. Jay Nixon pointed to Melton’s work to build an inn and conference center at the Roaring River State Park in Cassville as one of his accomplishments.
“I was honored to serve alongside Melton in the Missouri Senate and will never forget the lessons I learned from his example – not the least of which was to read every bill before voting on it,” Nixon said in the release. “Melton was committed to leaving Missouri better than he found it, and in so many ways that is exactly what he did.”
Prior to joining the Missouri senate, Melton worked 1947-51 as Barry County prosecuting attorney. He also was known as a historian, having written “The First 150 Years in Cassville, Missouri” and “Hanged by the Neck Until Dead,” a story of the only legal hanging in Barry County history, according to his obituary posted at
FohnFuneralHome.com.
After serving in the military during World War II, he created two businesses, Litho Printers and the Barry County Advertiser newspaper. He also held ownership in Barry County Abstract and Title Co. and the Cassville Republican newspaper, according to the obituary.
In 2005, the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau presented Melton with its top honor, the Pinnacle Award, for his contributions to the area’s travel industry.
Melton is survived by his son Stanley and daughter-in-law Cindy.
A visitation is scheduled at 5 p.m. today at First Baptist Church in Cassville, followed by a 2 p.m. funeral tomorrow at the 600 West St. church, according to the obituary.
