Gerald J. Melton, 55, of Fairfield, died at 1:23pm on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL. He had been the road commissioner for Leech Township and had also worked several years for the Wayne County Highway Department.

Gerald J was born on August 1, 1968, in Chicago, IL, to Cecil Gerald and Benice (Musgrave) Melton. He graduated from Fairfield Community High School, class of 1986.

Survivors include his mother Bernice Melton, a son Caleb (Kirsten) Melton, and a grandson Asher Melton, all of Fairfield, along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, and life-long friends. He was preceded in death by his father Gerald Melton.

Per Gerald J's wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial visitation will be held from 5pm-7pm on Thursday, August 17th at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made to the Gerald J Memorial Fishing Tournament to be held on September 16th, during the Fairfield Fall Fun Fest. Checks can be made out to either Brandon or Chasity Fry, with fishing tournament on the memo line, and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home.