Patricia A. Melton

Patricia A. Melton, 93, of Tallahassee, FL, went home on August 19, 2024. Born on November 7, 1930, in Ironton, OH, to C&O Engineer Perry Gunnoe and his wife Virginia, Patricia—known affectionately as "Pat" by the many who loved her—dedicated her life to faith, family, and friendships. Patricia will be remembered for her kind heart, love of nature, and deep passion for music. As a young woman, she sang with the Ironton High Glee Club and in her local church choir. After moving to Florida to attend Florida State University, where she majored in music, she graced the stage in operatic performances such as *The Pirates of Penzance* and *The Mikado.* She also performed with big bands, including the renowned Tony Pastor Orchestra. A proud FSU Seminole, Patricia left a lasting legacy when she won a contest in 1950 to name FSU’s marching band. Her chosen name, "The Marching Chiefs," endures to this day. It was at FSU, while working as a teller at Tallahassee Bank, that Patricia met the love of her life, Leonard Melton Jr., a lieutenant in the United States Air Force, during a short visit home. After just two dates, Leonard proposed, and the couple were married in a small ceremony in Presque Isle, ME, on October 2, 1954. Patricia earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the Florida State University School of Music in 1957, graduating alongside her husband, Leonard. Together, they embarked on a 20+ year journey as a military family, moving across the country and overseas during Leonard’s Air Force career. Throughout those years, Patricia embraced new communities, setting up households and nurturing her family with love and support through every transition. In 1975, after Leonard retired from the Air Force with the rank of Colonel, the couple returned to Tallahassee to settle down. In addition to her own family, Patricia "adopted" many friends as family over her long life, including the Visiting Angels caregivers who provided her with love and support in her later years. Patricia is survived by her four children: Karen M. Stewart (Stan) of Columbia, MD; Dana M. Wiehle (Kevin) of Tallahassee, FL; Leonard L. Melton III of Lakewood, CO; and Audra Melton (Carlos Elgarrista) of Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by her cherished grandson, Felix Lucas Elgarrista, extended family, and beloved friends. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard L. Melton Jr., and her parents, Perry and Virginia Gunnoe. She will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who knew her. A memorial service will be held at the Tallahassee National Cemetery on October 2, 2024, at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leon County Humane Society or Big Bend Hospice in Tallahassee. Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Melton family with their arrangements.

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Patricia A. Melton

November 7, 1930 - August 19, 2024