MELTON K. PRINCE

March 4, 1954 – May 17, 2017

Surrounded by his family, Mr. Melton Keith Prince entered into the presence of his Lord on May 17, 2017. Mel was born to Edgar Edmond Prince and Ina Grace Prince on March 4, 1954, in French Camp, California, and was the youngest of six children. For most of his early life, Melton lived in Stockton where he met the love of his life, Dianne Esau. The two were united in matrimony on December 6, 1975, and spent forty-one years together most of which was in Lodi California. As a couple, they were blessed with two wonderful children—Paige Anne Prince and Christian Michael Prince. Melton was a proud and loving father.

For ten years, Melton owned and operated Tidy Car a car detailing franchise. He later founded and operated a payphone business—Prince Communications—which he ran for fifteen years. After selling the business, Melton continued working as a selfemployed handyman until health issues prevented him from continuing.

Melton loved going on summer vacations with his family and extended family. He loved photography and often was seen toting his camera along to take random photographs. During the latter part of his life, Mel enjoyed going to thrift stores and garage sales looking for antiques and other treasures. He also enjoyed music and was known for his ear as a sound engineer. As a matter of fact, in the late 1970s Melton was the sound engineer for a rock group called Curlin Stu. In the 1980s, he was the sound engineer for Lodi’s Christian band Rhema. Melton loved the Lord and for thirty years, he was a member of Bethel Open Bible Church in Lodi where he also served as a sound engineer.

Melton is survived by his wife, Dianne, and children, Paige and Christian of Lodi, California. He is also survived by two brothers Arnie Prince of Lodi, Virgil Prince of North Dakota, and one sister Linda Thompson of Washington State.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Ina Prince; his sister, Patricia Jones; his brother, Tony Prince; and his nephew Tony (Sam) Prince Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 7, 2017, at Remedy Church located at 2100 Tienda Drive, Lodi, California. The Celebration begins at 12 P.M., and a reception will follow. Committal will be private.