By Mark Wilcox*
Posted on Tech Today Aug. 9, 2019
Reprinted with permission.
Michigan Tech Professor Emeritus Willie Melton III passed away from complications of a serious illness July 24, surrounded by his family at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He was 73. Melton joined Michigan Tech’s Department of Social Sciences in 1976 and served on the faculty for more than 30 years until his retirement in 2009.
From his youth as a native of Chicago, Melton developed a keen interest in civil rights and issues of social justice. Opportunities to meet such diverse leaders as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Fred Hampton, and serving as president of the Black Students Association while an undergraduate at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb were formative. In 1969 he earned a bachelor’s degree and began a master's in sociology at Northern Illinois. It was also at Northern Illinois that he met his future wife, Gloria.
In 1971 Melton headed to the Pacific Northwest for a job opportunity at Washington State University and completed his master's degree in sociology the following year. He and Gloria married in 1972 as he began a fellowship at Washington State. Four years later, he earned a PhD with a concentration in family sociology and the couple moved to Houghton and Michigan Tech.
Social Sciences Professor Emeritus Bradley Baltensperger, former Social Sciences department chair, was a long-time colleague of Melton. "In many respects, it was a long way from Chicago’s West Side and South Side to Houghton. But Willie became fully engaged in both the University and the local community," Baltensperger said.
In addition to serving on the University Senate and various department, college and University committees, Melton was involved with numerous community activities and organizations including Dial Help, the Keweenaw Family Resource Center, and Habitat for Humanity. He was a member of the American Sociological Association and active in the Midwest Sociological Association. He traveled to India as a Fulbright Scholar in the 1980s and later to China under the auspices of the East-West Center in Hawaii.
A notable public appearance was his fine portrayal of Rev. Al Sharpton in Michigan Tech Theatre Company’s production of Fires in the Mirror in November 2017. Although he was receiving medical treatment at the time of the production, his performance was pre-recorded and fit in perfectly with the multi-media presentation.
Baltensperger said Melton brought his "calming personality and sociological perspective" to all his professional situations. "He taught a wide range of courses in sociology and social psychology and mentored many students, both formally and informally."
To all his endeavors, Melton brought a sense of humor which Baltensperger described as legendary: "He could take the most mundane of situations and weave a complex and hilarious half-hour story about everything from life in the Chicago projects to cross-country skiing to playing the role of Santa Claus in the Keweenaw. Willie was a great friend and a valuable colleague for 43 years."
Hugh Gorman, the current chair of Tech’s Department of Social Sciences said more than one student changed their major to the social sciences after taking one of Melton’s courses.
"As a teacher, Willie loved helping students learn about human interactions through courses such as Social Psychology and Sociology and the Family," Gorman said. "As a colleague, Willie was someone who always brought positive energy to discussions, even when he was being critical. Above all, he was kind, welcoming and always ready with a listening ear. He will be missed."
Listed among his survivors are his wife, Gloria (former Dean of Students at Michigan Tech); his children, Jacarl and Alicia; his parents; several siblings; nephews and nieces.
Memorial for Willie Melton to be Saturday, Oct. 5, at Rozsa
A celebration of Willie Melton's life will be held Saturday, Oct. 5, in the Rozsa Center lobby, on the Michigan Tech campus. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m.
For memorial gifts in Willie Melton’s honor, please consider Copper Country Habitat for Humanity, 1000 W. Quincy, Hancock, MI 49930; Keweenaw Family Resource Center, 850 W. Sharon Avenue, Suite #6, Houghton, MI 49931; or, your preferred non-profit organization.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting the family with arrangements. Click here to access the obituary or to send online condolences.
* Guest author Mark Wilcox is a news writer in Michigan Tech's University Marketing and Communications.
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