Gary Lee Melton

Gary Lee Melton, 82, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away peacefully with his sister and son by his side.

Gary was born September 27, 1943, to Leland and Lucille (Campbell) Melton. He graduated from Ozark High School in 1961, where he played basketball and baseball. Growing up, Gary worked on the family farm, driving the tractor, hauling hay, tending the garden, and helping raise Polled Hereford cattle. He treasured the family gatherings that featured homemade ice cream, fried chicken, and fresh produce from the farm.

After high school, Gary attended business classes at Drury University in Springfield and served in the United States Army National Guard at Fort Leonard Wood. Throughout his life, he held many positions and owned several businesses. He worked in the office at Lily-Tulip Cup Corporation, served as an investigator and manager for the Frisco Transportation Railroad, owned Melton Motors and Mr. Swiss in Ozark, and worked as a used car buyer for Campbell Ford, Ozark.  Gary also served the public for two terms as Christian County Treasurer, following in the footsteps of his father, Leland Melton.

Gary was very close to his parents and family. Before his parents passed away in 1996, he faithfully joined them for lunch each day. Although known for his toughness and take-charge personality, Gary had a soft heart and was deeply protective of those he loved.

Faith and prayer were central to Gary’s life. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Ozark and was an active member of Fremont Baptist Church in his later years. He never missed Baptist church gatherings and potluck dinners, where he enjoyed fellowship with his church family. He made sure his family attended church and sought to pass his strong faith on to his son.

Gary was a proud and devoted father to Brad. They spent many hours together working on the family farm, detailing cars, playing catch, and attending Brad’s baseball games. Gary was thrilled to have a son and took great pride in him. He also adored his granddaughter, Sarah.

Gary had a lifelong passion for antique and classic cars, which began when he attended the drag strip every Sunday during high school. He belonged to the Ozarks Antique Auto Club, attended car shows, owned many cars, and loved to drive fast. He also enjoyed golfing regularly with his friends, especially at Fremont Hills Country Club. In the winter, he was always happy to clear the roads with his tractor.

Gary loved telling jokes, spending time with his many friends, and enjoying fresh strawberries with ice cream.

He is survived by his son, Brad (Julie) Melton; granddaughter, Sarah Melton; Sue Hall, the mother of his son, Brad; sister, Brenda Buddette; uncle, Roger (Alice) Campbell and family; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Lucille (Campbell) Melton, and his brother, Dale (Donna) Melton.

A Celebration of Gary’s life will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Fremont Hills Baptist Church, Nixa, with Pastor Art Hicklin officiating under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.  

Cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory.