Randal Gene Melton, 64, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 25, 2009, in Rio Rancho.

Randal was born October 26, 1944, in Sacramento, N. M., to Robert and Velma Melton. He grew up in the Weed area. His father was a logger and had his own sawmill.

Randy was a veteran of the U. S. Army, serving during the Vietnam War. He took his country and freedom very seriously.

He had driven a truck for Burch Trucking, and during that time had entered statewide truck rodeo competitions and had won first place trophies. He had worked for Mark Jones, of Victor Corp. and for several years he was superintendent over dirt work projects. He was an avid hunter who loved his dogs, enjoyed yard work and gardening. He loved his family and looked forward every year to the Melton family reunion. He was married to Barbara Cook in 1977 and, for more than 25 years, had operated a logging business.

Surviving Randal are two sons, Chris and his family, of Alamogordo, and Randal Jr. and his family, of Cloudcroft; three stepchildren, David, Kim and Richard Cook; four brothers, Shearld Melton and his wife, Jan, of Roswell; David Melton and his wife, Linda, of Las Cruces; Bill Melton and his wife, Carol, of Cortez, Colo.; and Bobby Melton and his wife, Sue, of Piñon; one sister, Nancy, of Alamogordo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Allen; four sisters, Jean, Ruby, Pearl and Juanita; and one son, John Melton.

Services celebrating his life will be Thursday, July 30, 2009, at 2 p.m. in the Mosquero Community Church, at Mosquero with Rev. Lester Stone, Baptist minister of Alamogordo, officiating Pallbearers will be Bill Melton, David Melton, Sherald Melton, Bobby Joe Melton, Chris Melton and Randal Melton Jr.  Honorary Pall bearers will be Lynn Cook, Mark Jones, Charlie Baker, Angel Aroyo, Duke Edwards, George Smith and David Prichard.

Interment will take place in the family plot at Mosquero Cemetery in Mosquero.