Obituary

Charles “Bubby” Melton, 93, of Charleston, WV, went home to be with the Lord he knew and loved on November 9, 2023.

He was born in Charleston on July 27, 1930, to the late Fannie Monday and Delbert Melton. Siblings who have gone before him are Delbert “Junior” Melton, Lenora Genevieve Melton Dearien, Laura Melton Peters, Russell Melton and Ronald Lee “Preacher” Melton. Bubby was the last surviving sibling.

Nieces and nephews surviving him are Elaine Ranson, Lee Ann Cook, Ginger Fox, Glen Allen Peters, Shelly Ausderheide, Michael Melton and Diane Melton. Left also to cherish his memory is his great-niece and caregiver, Brigitte McCann, who took excellent care of her “Uncle Bubby” the last few years; Goddaughter, Janice Arthur and her husband Butch, always made sure he got to his appointments and saw to his medical needs. Butch was his “go to” for anything and everything.

Bubby was married nearly 60 years to the love of his life, Janese (Allen) Melton, who died June 27, 2019. They enjoyed each other, had lots of good times and had many friends who remain close to this day. After their retirement, Bubby and Janese made trips nearly every day to Hardees on Bigley Avenue to chat and visit with local friends. At the age of 16, Bubby began working at various jobs from digging ditches to racking balls at pool halls, bussing tables and a short stint at Owens Illinois Glass Plant before joining the Navy at age 21. During his time in the Navy, he was a barber. He had many great memories of traveling the world.

After the service, he worked a few jobs before deciding to attend barber school, later opening his own barber shop on Bigley Avenue on Charleston’s West Side, then later bought a small shop on 7th Avenue & Patrick Steet. Bubby’s shop was a local favorite for “westsiders.” Bubby was known by many as being the most generous and kind man to everyone he met – even strangers. He loved to tease and laugh, especially with children – always handing out candy. Bubby’s soft spot extended to animals, always feeding the neighborhood strays and local pets. His personal friend in his last years was his cat, “Brownie.” Bubby was a longtime member of Cathedral of Prayer in Charleston. He was saved in l989. From that day until his last days he was forever eager to praise Jesus in prayer and in testimony.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street East, Charleston, with entombment at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, South Charleston, following. Reverend Kevin Norvell, pastor of Cathedral of Prayer, will be officiating.

Visitation will begin one hour prior at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bubby’s honor to Cathedral of Prayer Southern Baptist Church, 2326 Pennsylvania Avenue, Charleston WV 25302.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.