Cecil E Melton, age 85, of Portage, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2014. He was born on May 21,1928 to the late Samuel and Cora Jane (nee Vanderwater) Melton in East Gary. On February 25, 1956 Cecil married the love of his life Barbara Montgomery in East Gary. He served his country in the US Army and was a U.S.Steel retiree where he worked for 44 yr. Cecil was a member of Life Community Church in South Haven, a member at the Portage Bonner Center and a past Volunteer Portage Fire Fighter, drove for meals on wheels for 30 yr.. Cecil will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.Cecil is survived by his wife of 58 yr., Barbara Melton of Portage; daughter, Deborah L (Joseph) Rollinsof Valparaiso; six grandchildren, Lori (Natt) Pratt, Sharon (Phil) Needler, Donna (Timothy) Trimble, Lucus (Emily) Melton, Magdalene and Danielle Melton; two great- grandchildren Masen and Madilyn Pratt; three brothers, Forst Melton of California, Delmer (Jo) Melton of Roselawn, and John (Glenda) Melton of Grovertown, many other loving family members and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Sam, Leonard and Charles; four sisters, Bessy Fredricks, Beulah Hobson, Ida Vogal and Barbara Jacobson.A funeral service for Cecil will be Friday, April 18, 2014 at 10 a.m. with Pastor Philp Neddler officiating at Rees Funeral Home, Brady Chapel, 3781 Central Ave., Lake Station, IN 46405. Burial at Blake Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, April 17, 2014 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM also at Rees Funeral Home, Brady Chapel. (219) 962-1606 or go online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.