William Donald “Don” Melton, 94

August 26, 2025

William Donald “Don” Melton, age 94, of Lancaster, passed away on August 26, 2025 at Brethren Village.

He was born on February 6, 1931 in Athens, LA. He was a graduate of Minden High School, Minden, LA and Cameron University, Lawton, OK.

He entered the US Army from high school in 1948 and was commissioned as a Field Artillery officer in 1952. He served in combat in both the Korean and Vietnamese wars as a forward observer and army aviator. He was qualified in both rotary and fixed wing aircraft. His assignments included commands of both field artillery and aviation units, and staff assignments in NATO, Korea and Ft. Sill, OK. He retired at Ft. Sill, OK in July 1970 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with Oak Lead Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, with Oak Leaf Cluster and campaign medals from both the Korean and Vietnamese wars.

He began a second career in 1971 at West Ft. Hood with Project MASSTER as a military plans analyst and retired from TEXCOM, a follow-on unit to MASSTER, as Deputy Director of the Engineer Test Directorate. Of particular note during this service was management of the development, testing, construction, and proofing of the live fire range at the Army’s National Training Center at Fr. Irwin, CA. He retired from government service on 3 August 1991. He was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal upon his retirement.

After retirement, he performed volunteer work with the Ft. Hood Museums Commission and the 2nd Armored Division Museum. He also was a member of the Retired Officer’s Association and served as First Vice President of that organization for three years. He also performed volunteer work for the Killeen Chamber of Commerce as a tour guide for visitors, particularly for tours through the Ft. Hood museums and as Chairman for the Killeen Air Fest.

In 1994, he was inducted into the Tester’s Hall of Fame at Headquarters, TEXCOM, one of five who were awarded this honor.
He was a member of Saint Christopher’s Episcopal Church and served as a member on several church committees.
Survivors include one daughter, Paula Melton Baile; 2 grandchildren: Nicholas Baile (Julianna) and Kate Mugno (Joe) and 3 great grandchildren.

Services will be held privately by the family.