Saturday, Jun. 27, 2009

Saying good-bye to a hero: Funeral, burial for Germantown soldier held Saturday

Josh Melton was remembered as a loving father and husband, a fisher, a hunter and a man who liked to play with remote control cars.

The Illinois National Guard staff sergeant also was remembered as a dedicated soldier who loved his country.

"An ordinary man from Clinton County who served his country with extraordinary courage," said Rev. James Buerster at a funeral Mass Saturday morning at St. Boniface Church in Germantown.

Melton, 26, was killed June 19 by a roadside bomb in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The Germantown man enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 2000 before graduating from Central Community High School in Breese.

Hundreds of family, friends and community members attended the funeral to pay their respects to Melton, who knew at age 8 that he wanted to join the military.

State and local leaders attended the funeral, including Governor Pat Quinn, Major General William L. Enyart, commander of the Illinois National Guard, and U.S. Rep John Shimkus.

Many people wore bright orange shirts, ties and ribbons to remember Melton's favorite color.

Melton was buried with full military honors at St. Mary's Cemetery in Carlyle.

Melton is survived by his wife, Larissa, and their 16-month-old daughter, Aubrey.

Condolences for Melton's family can be sent to: Family of Staff Sgt. Joshua Melton, c/o Joshua Lueker, 3686 Logan Road, West Frankfort, Ill., 62896.

Memorials can be made to his daughter through the Aubrey Melton Trust Fund and can be given through the funeral home or Germantown Trust and Savings Bank.