Melton E. Defries

Rev. Melton E. DeFries Sr. 69, of Jonesboro died July 18, 2006 at St. Elizabeth Place.

Born in the Macey / Monette community, and lived in Florida and California before moving to Jonesboro11 years ago.

He was a Retired Minister of the Nettleton United Methodist Church for five years, and a Retired Navy Pilot for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corp, where he received many honors including the Vietnamese Air Gallantry Cross with Bronze Wings, Vietnam Service Medal with 5 stars, Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Star, Combat Action Ribbon, Expert Rifle, United Nations Civil Action Medal, Distinguished Flying cross, Navy Unit Commendation (2) republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, Bronze Star with Combat “V”, Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Purple heart, Presidential Unit Citation, USMC Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooter – Pistol, Air Medal with Bronze Star, and (19) Strike /Flight Medals.

He was preceded in death by his parents Melton H. and Frankie Harrell DeFries, one sister and one brother.

Survivors include his wife: Mary Alice Nuckles DeFries of the home.

One Son: Tony DeFries of Pensacola, Fl.

Two Daughters: Teresa Fazzare of Placentia, California.
Rene Schutt of Naples, Italy.

One Step-Son: Dr. Charles Nuckles

One Step-Daughter: Claire Osment.

One Brother: B.J. DeFries of San Jose, California.

Two Sisters: Glyva Jo Grady of Pangburn, Arkansas.
Phyllis McGoldrick of Sierra Madre, California.

Seven Grandchildren

Burial will be at 9:30 A.M. July 22, 2006 at the Macey Cemetery in Monette with Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro in charge.

Memorial service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday July 22, 2006 at the St. Paul United Methodist church with the Revs. John Soward, Patty Soward, Bonnie Sutton, Rev.Rex Darling District Superintendent, Wayne Johnson, and Jimmy Anderson officiating.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Friday July 21, 2006 at the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Jonesboro.

Active Pallbearers will be Carl Guthrey, Birchard Roberts, Bob Ruff, Rev. Jimmy Anderson, Rev. Wayne Johnson, and Fred Sitz.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Members of the Covenant Class at St. Paul United Methodist Church and all United Methodist Ministers.

The family request that lasting memorials be made to the St. Paul United Methodist Church at 2201 S. Culberhouse, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401