Lt. Col. Melvin W. Barton, USAF, retired died Wednesday, December 20, 2023. A native of Durant, OK, Mel joined the Air Force and flew on 137 missions during Vietnam. He retired from the Inspector General's team in 1985 after 32 years of service. Upon his retirement he took a position as Vice President for a Defense Contractor in Washington commuting from Hampton for a number of years. Mel attended law school to further his knowledge.

An avid golfer, he took pleasure in making custom golf clubs for friends. He was a private pilot and through the years owned and flew his own aircraft. In his later years he enjoyed vacationing on his boat, Love Affair.

Preceded in death by his son, Scott Barton, his twin brother, Elvin Barton, and his sister, Ruby Lawrence; Mel is survived by his wife, Carole; his daughter, Tina Barton; his stepdaughter, Christina McNair; and two grandchildren, Aaron and Amber Barton.

Services will be held at a later date.