VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas — A Van Zandt County commissioner, who served in the Vietnam War as a U.S. Marine, died after a tree fell on his vehicle while he and his wife were driving.
According to Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese, Pct. 2 commissioner Virgil Melton, Jr., 76, was killed Monday night on his way home. His 73-year-old wife, Janice, was injured and taken to a local hospital. Her condition is unknown.
"Please be in prayer for the family and updates will be provided on Janice’s condition," Reese said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety says the Meltons were traveling down FM 279, near Edom, around 8 p.m. when the tree fell on the vehicle.
Visitation will be Monday, June 17, 6 to 8 p.m. at Eubanks Funeral Home in Canton. On Tuesday, June 18, Lakeside Baptist Church in Canton will host refreshments for family and friends at 12:30 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m., according to his obituary.
Van Zandt County community members recently honored Melton.
"Virgil leaves behind so many people who loved him and particularly his people in Precinct 2," Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett said. "I don’t think he will be replaced (as commissioner), it will just be somebody else coming in to take his spot and hopefully they are as strong a Christian and as fair minded and as friendly and good as he was."
Melton was also the director of Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial, the grassroots organization that honors cherished military members in Van Zandt County, serving the communities of Ben Wheeler, Canton, Colfax, Edgewood, Edom, Fruitvale, Grand Saline, Martins Mill, Myrtle Springs, Van, Wills Point and others. Canton is the site of the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial Plaza.
"What has been described as a freak accident can be reconciled as God's providence because He knows when we take our last breath," the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial said on its Facebook page. "He called him home to Heaven. Virgil was dedicated to his family, friends, community and foremost Jesus, His savior. As we walk the path of grief we celebrate that our lives were better because of Virgil Melton."
Melton served in the United States Marine Corps from February 1967-August 1971, which included time spent in Vietnam from November 1967-August 1969. He was responsible for operating and maintaining M48A3 tanks, an essential part of the Marine Corps' ground forces during the Vietnam War, according to his profile on the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial.
"If you had Virgil's strong support, most people would go along with that. He was that well respected and appreciated on this board," colleague Cary Hilliard said of Melton.
State Rep. Jill Dutton, who represents Hopkins, Hunt, Van Zandt counties, said in a statement she was saddened to hear of Melton's passing, calling him a dear friend and true servant. He went above and beyond in his service to the people of Van Zandt County and his precinct.
"He possessed a true servant’s heart, which he displayed through his service as a member of the board of directors of the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial as well as a deacon and faithful member of Lakeside Baptist Church," Dutton said. "Not only was Virgil a significant and beloved member of the community, but he was also an inspiring friend and mentor to many, including myself. His passing will leave a dramatic impact on the hearts of many."
Dutton said Melton's wife Janice was referred to as a steel magnolia or "a woman who exemplifies both traditional femininity as well as an uncommon fortitude.” She said Janice has a true fighting spirit.
"Please keep the Melton family in your prayers today as their family undergoes this devastating loss. Virgil will be missed by many, but his legacy in Van Zandt County and throughout Texas will never be forgotten," Dutton said.
Melton served 21 months overseas, receiving a Purple Heart and Navy Commendation Medal for valor. He won the Navy Commendation Medal because he interrupted a planned grenade attack and saved several crew members, the Tyler Morning Telegraph reported in a 2015 feature story about Melton.
"His service to his country demonstrated a great deal of courage and dedication, as well as the ability to work well under pressure in dangerous and unpredictable circumstances. Virgil Melton's contributions to the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War are greatly appreciated, and his sacrifice and commitment to our country will always be remembered," the Veterans Memorial profile reads.
