Rupert Melton

Rupert 'Buster' Melton, age 99 years and 9 months old, of Cord passed away September 29, 2008 at his home. He was born January 1, 1909 at Cord, Arkansas to Luther Eugene and Nora (Slayden) Melton. He was a retired farmer, fox hunted for years and loved to play the fiddle and listen to gospel music. He was a member of the Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church at Cord.He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Marvin Melton and two sisters, Alby Latting and Mirkley Godwin.Survivors include his wife of 77 years, 9 months, Mary Fry Melton of the home, two sons Gene Melton and Bill Melton both of Cord,two daugahters, Nedra Forester of Galt, California and Nina Porter of Wichita, Kansas, 8 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.Funeral services will begin Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church located at Cord with Bro. Jackie Pickett officiating. Burial will follow in the Philadelphia Cemetery located at Cord with arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service of Batesville.Visitation will begin Wednesday, October 1, 2008 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Ronnie Melton, Patrick Melton, Jabe Baker, Jimmy Dale Heatherly, Tom Thibault, Keith Johnson, Mike Forester and Charlie Young.Honorary pallbearers are Chuck Cole, Morris Bradley, Tony Smith and J. T. Godwin.