Garland "Tony" C. Melton, 87, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026. He was born August 1, 1939, in Los Angeles, CA to Ralph and Mary (League) Wallingford. His family moved to Perry in 1942, where Perry remained a special part of his life.
Tony proudly service in the United States Air Force after joining in 1957. On June 14, 1959, he married the love of his life, Janice K. Betchan. Together they shared a life filled with family, music, dancing, and laughter.
Tony spent more than 40 years owning Melton Construction and operating a dozer. He also worked for various oilfield construction companies throughout his career. He was a hardworking man who took great pride in his work.
Tony and Janice shared a love for country music and were proud owners of The Bamboo Country Ballroom, where they enjoyed dancing, playing cards, meeting some of their favorite artists, and making many wonderful memories. They returned to Perry in 2013.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Janice; sons, Tony and Danny; daughter-in-law, Brenda; grandson, Curtis; his sisters, Shirley Webb, Doreen Snider and Zelma Rupp.
He is survived by his daughters, Shelly of Perry, and Kay and her husband Dustin of Perry; grandchildren, Christi of Woodward, Jamie and Jeremy of Helena, Hillary and Jacob of Enid, Keith of Waynoka, Tyler of Perry, and Lexie of Perry; great-grandchildren, Morgan and her husband Cooper, Cassi and her husband John, Hayli, CJ, Brayden, Jayden, Caylin, Peyton, Bub, and Sienna; great-great-grandchildren, Jacob, Nora, and Emma.
Tony will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love of country music and dancing, and most of all his love for his family. His memories and legacy will live on through the generations who loved him.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Trout Funeral Home chapel at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Shem Durham officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org. We invite you to leave a message of condolence, expression of sympathy or perhaps share a memory of Garland at www.troutperry.com