LEON, IA: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Paul James Melton, who left this world on May 23, 2025, at the spry age of 40. Born on June 2, 1984, he was the first born son of Ruth Blanton and the late Joey Melton. Paul lived a life that was nothing short of an epic road trip with plenty of off-road detours.

Paul was a man who saw the world as his playground. He had a deep love for the ocean, where he'd often say this is where my resting place will be. An intrepid traveler, Paul never missed a chance to explore new places with his sister, Bridget Hinds and brother-in-law, Justin Hinds, preferably in his beloved Mustang. If it was possible to drive there, he'd find a way--even if it meant creating his own path.

His tinkering skills were legendary; if something wasn't broken, Paul would happily disassemble it until it was. Bonfires under the night sky were his idea of a perfect evening, especially if they involved his family, friends and some good tunes. He enjoyed any movie with a dash of horror, a hint of sci-fi, a sprinkle of comedy or a big splash of superhero imagination--all genres close to his heart.

Paul's dining philosophy was simple: seafood and steak should be as plentiful as his zest for life. Whether he was drawing or working on cars, Paul infused everything he touched with creativity and humor. He loved making people laugh, always ready with a joke to make people smile.

Yet, no adventure was more cherished than the journey of being a devoted father to his daughter, Chelsey Melton. Proud doesn't scratch the surface of his feelings toward her; she was, without a doubt, the light of his life and his greatest legacy.

Paul had many losses in his life including his dad, Joey James Melton; his grandparents William Fred Davis and Margaret Shuford Davis but two people really stood above the rest. He lost his grandfather, James Robert Melton, whom he looked up to and respected his sound advice. The hardest one was his aunt, Sonja Melton Vandervort, whom he loved like an older sister.

Paul took his job as the oldest sibling very seriously, he was protective of all of them and loved them unconditionally. In addition to Bridget, he leaves behind sister Hannah Pollock and husband Ethan; brothers, Samuel Blanton and Jacob Blanton. He was a cherished grandson of Violet Terry Melton. He also leaves behind step-father, Todd Blanton.

Paul was known as the fun uncle to his nieces and nephews, Keegan, Jaxon, William, and Greyson. He was like a son to his Uncle Joel and Aunt Doris. He was like a brother and the older bad influence to all his cousins, Josh, Nikki, Kayce, and Hayden.