Breckenridge Texan

Wynell Claborn Melton, 96, of Olton, Texas, passed away on October 30, 2025. A graveside service to honor “Sister” will be held on November 7, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Elm Cemetery in Rising Star, Texas.

Wynell was born to Alton and Olene (Crawford) Claborn on August 26, 1929, in the home of her paternal grandparents, Otho and Leslie (House) Claborn, in Okra, Texas. She attended Kermit schools and graduated in 1947. On Wynell’s 18th birthday, she started to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a nighttime operator – a career that would span 41 years. During her time with SW Bell, she received numerous awards, including recognition for 20 years of perfect attendance and several regional service honors.

Early in her career as a nighttime operator, she began receiving nightly calls from James Melton, who worked for Gulf Oil at night. James would call to make conversation; this went on for a year, and they were married in October 1948. Wynell retired in 1988.

For their retirement years, Wynell and James enjoyed sitting on their deck at Hubbard Creek and relaxing. Although Wynell could not swim, she was a skilled water skier and enjoyed lake life immensely. The Meltons often hosted family gatherings and U.S. Marine reunions at their Lake Hubbard home in Breckenridge. Family meant everything to Wynell, and her love for kinfolk was always evident.

Wynell was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Woodrow Melton; her parents, Alton and Olene Claborn; her sister, Betty Geisler Siekman; her brother, Ozell Claborn; and her nephew James Wesley Geisler II. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Tom Rainwater Claborn of Olton. Though Wynell and James were never blessed with children, they were dearly loved by many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wynell’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be shared at meltonkitchens.com.