Edward “Dewey” Melton, 87, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away at 3:07 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Gateway Regional Medical Center. He was born December 4, 1938, in Stewart County, a son of the late John Willard and Margaret (McGovern) Melton.
He married the love of his life, Karen Ann (Hollocher) Melton, on October 27, 1964, in Clayton, and she preceded him in death on September 4, 2024.
Dewey retired in 1995 from IBM after 31 years of dedicated service as a systems engineer. He was a faithful member of Unity Baptist Church and a longtime member of Third Baptist Church. An ordained deacon, he served as a Sunday school teacher for many years.
Deeply committed to his community, Dewey devoted countless hours to public service and civic organizations. He served for ten years on the Granite City School Board, enjoyed participating with Patriots in the Park, served as president of the Granite City Democratic Club and the Kiwanis Club of Granite City, chaired the Granite City Centennial celebration, served as a longtime city alderman, was a member of Solid Granite, and also served as a Fire and Police Commissioner.
Dewey enjoyed playing golf, cherished time with his children and grandchildren, and will be remembered for his servant’s heart, steadfast faith, and the love and special memories he shared with family and friends.
He is survived by four children and their spouses: Cindy Melton of San Antonio, Texas, Ed and Alice Melton of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Laurie and Glen Ahlers of Glen Carbon, and Kristi and Josh Hickam of Granite City; nine granddaughters, Taylor, Rian, Casey, Lindsay, Brenna, Rylie, Alayna, Maggie, and Kori; a brother, Larry Melton of Dongola; nieces and nephews and many other extended family members and friends.
In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Darlene and Frank Laub, and his sister-in-law, Sharon Melton.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the funeral chapel with Reverend Jarad Corzine officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.
Memorials may be made to Unity Baptist Church and may be accepted at the funeral chapel.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.
