Obituary of Antonio Melton

Antonio Melton affectionately called, Toni, Toni Roni, Tone, Too Sweet, or Antone by friends and family and how can we forget Antonya by his mom, was given the gift of life on December 3, 1961. He was born in Chicago, IL unto Joann Davis and James Epps. He was a loving husband, awesome dad, adorable son, cheerful brother, faithful uncle, wonderful friend, fun grandpa, life of the party, one of a kind; truly an amazing person.

He was raised in Chicago, IL and attended Collins High School. He received a Culinary Arts Certificate. A hard working man who took pride in his work while employed at Woolworth, White Sox Park (formerly Comiskey Park), and Hospital Laundry Services. In 1994 he relocated to Albion, MI. He became the manager of Shell Gas Station for many years and quickly came to know everyone in town. He was also employed at Guardian for a short period of time. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and became a member of Bethel Baptist Church where he sang in the choir. He always desired to become a Mason and therefore became a member of the International Free and Accepted Modern Mason and Eastern Star Organization.

In 2009 he married Aisha Ridley-Melton. He was welcomed into the Ridley family especially by his mother-in-law Melnee Ridley and father-in-law Ronald Smartt. He became a member of the Lewis Chapel AME Church and previously served on the Trustee Board. While attending Kellogg Community College he received a General Studies Associate Degree on May 14, 2015; in 2017 he graduated Cum Laude with an Associate Degree in Business Management and was accepted to Walden University to pursue his Bachelor Degree in Business. On July 15, 2017 he received his 33rd Degree from the International Free and Accepted Modern Mason Organization posthumously.

He loved to get clean wherever he went and if there was a dance floor he would cut up. His smile, laughter and sense of humor were contagious. He enjoyed cooking and teaching his children how to cook. He especially loved fish fries and barbeques. He participated in the Festival of the Forks annually and I’m sure all would agree he put his foot in his cooking. Traveling with his Mason brothers and serving in the organization was his thang. He would get dressed in his uniform, stand proud, and when recently asked aren’t you about to receive the highest honor in the organization he would laugh, then smile and say, yes sir! He loved being a husband and a father to his children. He was also a proud grandpa. He expressed his love daily.

Late evening July 7, 2017 he was doing what he loved dancing and surrounded by family, as happy as can be then suddenly in the early morning of July 8, 2017 he was born into eternity. He was preceded in death by his daughter Danielle Greene, his brother Walter Melton, his sister Virginia Griffin.

He leaves to continue his legacy: his wife; Aisha Ridley-Melton, his mother; Joann Davis; his father, James Epps. His brothers, James Melton (Cassandra), Deon Davis (Catrina), Kendrick Smith (Reba). His sisters: Diana Griffin, Mae Griffin, Lille Young(Ben), Cassandra Epps, Keyona Thomas, and Jeannie Harper. One son, D’Undra Melton Sr. (Brittany), six daughters: Latasha Glasper (Jermaine); Antoinette Melton(Brandon), Markeda Melton, Shaneka Melton, Ashtyn Ridley-Melton, and Akaiia Ridley. Ten grandchildren: Mykel Brewer, Myrion Brewer, Branasia Givens, Tyrese Hall, King Glasper, Breyanna Hughes, Dacarius Melton, Dakarion Melton, D’undra Melton Jr., and Javion Melton. One God son Brelen Peoples. A special lifetime influence; William Kilo. As well as a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.