Nick Melton

Lewis Nicholson “Nick” Melton, P.E., age 82, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, died on October 3, 2022 at his home with his beloved wife and children by his side.

Son of the late Corbin H. and Edythe Melton, Nick was born in Barbourville, Kentucky and is a graduate of Barbourville High School and the University of Kentucky College of Engineering. After earning his degree in civil engineering, Nick co-founded Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers, the first licensed engineering firm in Kentucky. The company had roles in many important infrastructure projects throughout the southeastern U.S., including the Cumberland Gap Tunnel project and its ongoing management. A key to the success of the company was Nick's integrity, dedication, and professionalism - values that were extended to each client and every project.

Nick was an avid weekend farmer and loved woodworking and tinkering in his garage. He was a true fan of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball and football teams, as well as a fan of the Lexington Legends baseball team. In recent years, he found enjoyment baking cookies - especially when one or more grandkid could join him in the kitchen, almost always had a jigsaw puzzle on the table for all to share, and did not mind sharing his lap with a visiting grand-dog. As Grandfather, Nick was kind, wise, and fun. He was genuinely interested in what was happening in his grandchildren's lives and made time for them. He was also eager to help in quiet yet meaningful ways. Just don't bother him when he's reading his Westerns! Grandfather's wisdom and stories will be missed by all of us.

Nick's affiliations include The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, Kentucky Society for Professional Engineers, National Society for Professional Engineers, Triangle Fraternity, Delta Natural Gas board of directors, Kentucky Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, National Council of Engineer Examiners, and many others too numerous to recount.

Nick is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara; children Jim (Malinda), Sara, and Linda; grandchildren Erin (Patrick), Jacob, Emma, Elizabeth, Will and Eli; great grandson Evan; goddaughter Lydah (Joe) DeBin; brother Hank (Margaret); with his life-long friend and business partner, Robert W. Vaughn, P.E. He was preceded in death by siblings Nancy Smith and Sam Melton and life-long friend Robert H. Pyles, P.E. Nick is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whom he loved dearly.

As Nick/Dad/Grandfather did not want a service, please join us for an informal remembrance and celebration of his life on Saturday, October 8, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Cawood Funeral Home, 112 South 21st Street, Middlesboro Kentucky.

Register Book and online condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com

Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY, is in charge of all arrangements.