Gene Austin Melton

Gene Austin Melton, 87, of Cord, Arkansas went to his heavenly home on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Born on September 15, 1939 in Cord, Arkansas, Gene was the beloved son of Rupert (Buster) and Mary Melton. Throughout his life, Gene was known for his devotion. Gene was faithfully devoted to his church, his family, and his career as a farmer.

Gene especially enjoyed gardening, fishing, canning, and cooking for his friends and family. After 53 years of running the family farm, Gene retired from farming as a career and picked up the shovel to garden. He would spend hours in his garden seemingly acting like he never retired at all. Gene was notorious for making sure you never left his house hungry and often times with a jar of salsa or pickles in hand. Gene loved to host his friends, family, and farmhands to a fish fry and fellowship. Gene enjoyed fishing with his buddies, setting nets, and floating down the river to land his next big catch.

Gene is survived by his wife of 69 years, Peggy Melton; his sons, Ronnie Melton and Patrick Melton (Pam); his grandchildren, Justin Melton (Whitney), Cody Melton (Wendy), Cole Melton (Lizzy), Jeb Melton, and Kantin Melton; his great grandchildren, Asher Melton, Emery Melton, and Mack Melton; his sisters, Nedra Forrester and Nina Porter; and many other relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his brother, Bill Melton; and his daughter in laws, Lenette Melton and Jennifer Melton.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gene’s life at Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church in Dowdy, Arkansas on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Pallbearers will be Justin Melton, Cody Melton, Cole Melton, Jeb Melton, Kantin Melton, Asher Melton, and Mack Melton.

Honorary pallbearers will be Murvelee Crigler, David Hix, Randy Paul, and Eric Wood.

Gene will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Arrangements are by Qualls Funeral Homes.