Reverend Melton Alfred, born on May 28, 1930, left his earthly vessel and entered eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 13, 2018.  As a young, country boy born to the late Cleo and Mattie Tizeno Alfred, Melton knew his dreams were much larger than his home, Fenton, LA, and birthplace, Opelousas, LA.  Thus, he began his lifelong dedication to continuous learning by earning his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Grambling State University in 1952.  He proudly served our country while in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, two years after graduating from Grambling.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, his post-war academic accolades and achievements includes earning his Masters Degree from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas in 1957 and a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1986.  He was recognized as a National Science Foundation Scholar.  For 27 years, he taught science in the Jefferson  Davis Parish School System.  He served as a Police Juror for 28 years in Jefferson Davis Parish, and ministered in the Seventh District Baptist Association for over a decade.  Reverend Alfred served faithfully as Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Lake Arthur, LA from 1986 to 2009.  He founded the Save Our Youth Organization in Jefferson Davis Parish in 1980 to provide opportunities to teens to experience and view historic landmarks.  He directed the Summer Reading and Math Project a t St. Paul Baptist Church, which was provided at no cost to the students.

Reverend Alfred is survived by his devoted and faithful companion of 62 years, Cora Lee Keyes Alfred, who stayed with him through everything in life until his journey to Heaven's gate; one daughter, Sharon (Houston) Alfred-Jackson; one brother, Peter (Alice) Alfred; one daughter-in-law, Linda Alfred; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, John Paul Alfred; both parents, Cleo and Mattie Alfred; three sisters and two brothers.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 11:00 am in Union Baptist Church, 1014 S Main St, Jennings, LA. with Reverend Gerald Perkins, Sr. officiating.  Visitation will be held in the church at 8:00 am until time of religious services.  Burial will be in Peterson Memorial Cemetery in Jennings, LA. directed by Semien-Lewis Mortuary of Jennings, LA.