Keith Leon Melton

Keith Leon Melton was born February 25, 1938 in Visalia, CA and left his earthly body on June 17, 2023 peacefully surrounded by loved ones at his home near the St. John's River. Keith was the son of William and Madgel Melton. He was the middle child and younger brother of William "Bill" Melton Jr., and older brother to his sister, Lynda (Melton) Walters. The three of them grew up in Ivanhoe, CA where their family farmed acres of olive trees. Growing up in the country was where Keith's love of the outdoors began at an early age. Keith attended Tarusa Elementary School where his father and grandmother were once his teacher and principal. He graduated from Mt. Whitney HIgh School in 1955 and joined the Navy on his 17th birthday. He left for deployment soon after graduation. After completing boot camp, he was stationed on the USS Rochester. Keith and Catherine (Cherry) Melton were married on April 16, 1960 and celebrated 63 years of marriage. Keith established Sierra Signs in 1964 opening his first shop on Main Street in Visalia and later moving to 330 N. Santa Fe where he retired in 2006 after 42 years of creating logos and signs for hundreds of businesses throughout the valley. In his younger years, Keith was an active part of an archery club, involved in Ducks Unlimited and enjoyed hunting and fishing. After retirement he continued to spend time down at "The Shop" visiting with his friends. He loved spending time outdoors at the home he built on the river in 1970. He took pleasure in tubing with friends, BBQing, planting and harvesting his gardens and his ten avocado trees. Even in the last few years he continued to build and create a grape arbor and a shade cover for their roses. Keith always had a plan and a new idea to do something to improve his beloved property. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother. Keith is survived by his wife, Catherine, daughters Lisa Melton Reimer and Jody Melton Patton, his son in laws Steven Reimer and Darren Patton, grandchildren Kristofer Reimer and his wife Evelyn, Sharise Reimer Paul and husband Matt Paul, and their youngest granddaughter, Sara-Catherine Gerdes. He also had three great grandchildren Brooklyn, Berlyn, and Bryar-Rose daughters of Matt and Sharise, He is also remembered by his sister Lynda Walters, brother in law Kenny Walters, niece Chris (Melton) Jacobsen and her husband Keith and nephew Dennis Melton and his wife Debbie along with many dear friends. Keith's memory will live on through his loved ones and the cherished memories he left with each and every one of us... Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Saturday, July 15th, 2023 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Keith Leon Melton

February 25, 1938 - June 17, 2023