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Jesse H. Melton passed away peacefully at his home in Granada December 23, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born April 19, 1934, in Holly to Hershel and Dorothy (Davis) Melton.

Jesse grew up in Granada, and was a proud graduate of Holly High School, finishing in the class of 1954. Shortly after, he embarked on a lifelong journey of hard work and dedication.

March 4, 1955, he married the love of his life, Betty Bezona, and together they welcomed two children into the world, Dean and Diantha. His family was his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Jesse began working for the Romer family. He then dedicated 17 years to the Peter Kiewits & Sons Highway Construction Company, showing an unwavering commitment to his work and the community. Jesse later continued his career with Siegrist and Sons Construction, and subsequently with Varra, operating heavy equipment until he retired and returned to Granada, the place he called home.

Throughout his life, Jesse had an enduring passion for music. He enjoyed playing and sharing his love for melodies with others. Jesse was an incredibly talented tinkerer, and always had a creative project of some kind in the works. Many of those projects can still be seen as part of local historical society displays.

He was an active member of Union #9 and the Granada Methodist Church. His contributions to these organizations were a testament to his deep-rooted belief in community, service, and his faith.

Jesse will be remembered not only for his unwavering love for his family, but also for his kind spirit, gentle heart, and the joy he brought to the lives of everyone who knew him. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren as they share stories of his remarkable life and the lessons he imparted.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Betty Melton; daughter, Diantha Dickinson; granddaughter, Becky Melton; and sister, Patsy Campbell-Woodward.

He is survived by his son, Dean Melton of Granada; grandchildren, Johnny (Tracy) Melton of Boone, Janeene (Sean) Brown of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Lacy (Joel) Waight of Thornton, Steph (Ruth) Guerrero of Northglenn, and Samme Sylvis of Northglenn; great-grandchildren, Gabriel Melton (Kennedyanne), Ailene Melton, Averie Melton, Mattie Brown, Bowen Brown, A'Leah Waight (Josh Agurries), Thomas Waight, Aiden Guerrero, Shea Sylvis (Justin Botelho), and Ryley Sylvis (Rebekka Dicken); and great-great-grandchildren, Grayson Portales, Isaiah Agurries, Walker Botelho, and Weston Botelho, with another on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Gene Melton; son-in-law, Steve Dickinson; step-great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Sierra, and Jayden; many other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., January 8, 2026, at Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel in Holly, with Pastor Kathy Leathers officiating. Interment will follow in the Holly Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lamar Area Hospice in care of Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 950, Lamar, Colorado 81052.

Arrangements are under the direction of Valley Funeral & Cremations.