ETHAN W. MELTON, age 92, of Irving, died Friday, April 22, 2011 at his home. Born October 26, 1918 in Blooming Grove, Texas to Ernest Carter Melton and Donna Hunt Melton. He was raised on the family farm until he was called to serve in World War II. He joined the U S Army Air Corps and went on to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross after flying 58 missions. He returned to Blooming Grove a hometown hero. He met and married Christene Fields. They made their home in Irving and raised their children David and Chrisanne. Ethan worked at LTV for 28 years before retiring in 1975. He worked at Burton-Curry Buick an additional 10 years before finally retiring. He was an avid fisherman and sportsman. Preceded in death by a brother Ervin Melton, he is survived by his wife of 67 years, Christene; son David Melton and wife Lucy; daughter Chrisanne Lanier and husband Jeff; three grandchildren, Casey Melton and wife Natalie, Kealey Melton, and Morgan Lanier; and four great grandchildren Donovan Floyd, Kobe Floyd, Sydney Melton and Presley Melton. The family would like to especially thank Ethans caregivers Angela and Lidia for all their love and care and many meals they shared at Joes Coffee Shop. Visitation will be 6:00 8:00 p.m. Monday at Donnellys Colonial Funeral Home. The funeral will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at Plymouth Park Baptist Church, 1714 North Story Road. Burial with military honors will be at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.