Van Zandt County Commissioner Virgil Melton, 76, tragically lost his life on Monday night, June 3rd, when a tree fell on his vehicle.
The incident occurred on Farm to Market Road 279 in Edom, where the tree crushed Melton while injuring his wife, Janice, 73. Janice was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese reported that severe storms on Monday evening led to numerous trees obstructing FM 279, making travel hazardous. J
ustice of the Peace Pct. 4 Scott Shinn pronounced Melton deceased at the scene. Melton, a former United States Marine Corps member, leaves behind a legacy of service to his community.
