HAINES CITY - Melvin F. Colton, age 89 of Haines City, Florida passed away Sunday (Jan.31, 2010) at  Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale from respiratory failure.

He was born December 29, 1920 in Valparaiso, Indiana, the son of Ernest W. and Ella (Crosgrove) Colton. He was a farmer and a active member of the Indiana Farm Bureau before moving to Florida in 1972.  Mr. Colton was a member of the Hope Presbyterian Church, Winter Haven and had served as a elder and sang in the choir.

Mr. Colton was preceded in death by his parents, a son James Colton and a daughter, Mary Jane Colton.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Colton , whom he married July 8, 1942 in Valparaiso, Ind. He is also survived by four daughters; Janet Colton of St. Petersburg, Fl; Priscilla Andre-Colton, Alexandria, Va; Jacqueline Colton of Houston, Texas; Frances Metzgar of Haines City, Fl;  four grandchildren, Randal, Joshua, Caitlin and Erin; 2 great grandchildren, Kirsten and Alexa.  

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Memorial may be sent to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale, Fl. 33823 Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 1001 Grace Avenue, Haines City, Fl. in charge of arrangement.

Condolences may be sent via: oakridgefuneralcare.com