Dr. Melton Mason Jr.

Dr. Melton Mason, Jr. of Paducah, KY passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, May 14, 2018. He entered into the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and reunited with his loved ones in heaven.  He was born March 19, 1938 in Pontotoc, MS and grew up in the Bissell community outside of Tupelo, MS.

He married Delores Mason on December 18, 1960 and they shared 57 years together in marriage and partnered in ministry and raising five children.  They were blessed to have 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Mel graduated from Belden High School and then served in the U.S. Navy.  While in the navy, he surrendered to the ministry in 1957 and was a Southern Baptist pastor at more than 15 churches for 60 years.  He received his BA in English at Blue Mountain College, MRE at New Orleans Theological Seminary in Religious Education and then his Doctor of Theology from Luther Rice Seminary.  He also served on various state Baptist committees within MS, TN, and KY as well as committees for the Southern Baptist Convention and was a member at Bellview Baptist Church in Paducah, KY.

There are many names associated with Melton Mason Jr. which include Sonny, Red, Mel, Dad, Bro. Mel, Dr. Mason and Big Daddy.  His greatest joy came from his family and witnessing the conversion of souls to believers and followers of Jesus Christ.  As many of you know, he enjoyed fellowship with his brothers and sisters in Christ, pranks, ice cream, banana pudding, playing rook and watching old western movies.

Mel is survived by his wife Delores Mason;  his son Garry Mason (Marie) of Tupelo, MS; his daughters Belinda Wooten (Craig) of Paducah, KY, Beverly Barnes (Doug) of Smithland, KY, Bridget Shepherd (Jeff) of Gallatin, TN, Bonita Cobb (Deron) of Richmond, KY; his grandchildren Jana Mason of Scottsdale, AZ,  Luke Mason of Corinth, MS, Rachel Eichberger of Louisville, KY, Ruth Wooten of Cold Springs, KY, Steven Wooten of Louisville, KY, Nathaniel Dean of Pontotoc, MS, Neel Dean of Belden, MS,  Nicole Land of Monongahela, PA, Nicolas Dean of Charleston, SC, Mason Shepherd of Nashville, TN, Anna Grace Shepherd of Huntsville, AL, Joshua Cobb of Richmond, KY, Joanna Slater of Richmond, KY, and Joseph Cobb of Richmond, KY; his brother, George Mason of Tupelo, MS; and his sisters Nina Fleming of Mission, TX and Mary Park of Belden, MS.  He is preceded in death by his brother, Terry Mason and his parents Susie Mae Mason and Melton Mason, Sr.

Visitation will be at 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with services following on Friday, May 18, 2018 at Bellview Baptist Church, 4875 Old Mayfield Rd., Paducah, KY with burial at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church 9320 Hopewell Rd., Boaz, KY.  Memorials may be made to Bellevue Baptist Church, Paducah, KY and we thank you for your prayers and condolences.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13