Dale F. Melton Sr., age 72, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away on Friday, September 16, 2011, at Vista Care Hospice at Lovelace Hospital. Dale leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Carleen (Nuzman) Melton, their five children, Cheryl L. King and her husband, John, Jeanette L. Sanchez and her husband, Herman M., Dale F. Melton Jr. and his wife, Katherine, Matthew C. Melton and Kristy R. Abdill and her husband, Jason, all of whom reside in Albuquerque and the surrounding areas. A grandfather to nine, he is also survived by his grandchildren, Melissa, Michael and Nathan Sanchez, Tyler and Kaedra Abdill, Kristofer, Hannah and Emma King and Ivy Melton. Dale also leaves behind two sisters and one brother, Doris Franzoy and her husband, Frankie of Hatch, NM, Diana Elliott of Clovis, NM, and Richard Melton and wife, Francis of West Jordon, UT. Born on February 7, 1939 to parents, Charles Francis Melton and Jean G. Melton, Dale attended Texas Western College obtaining a degree is business administration. Dale served in the United States Armed Services before marrying wife, Carleen, on July 2, 1969. Dale worked as a Computer Programmer and Systems Analyst for many years until he retired in 1994. Dale was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dale was an avid lover of automobiles, especially Cadillacs. In his retirement, Dale enjoyed reading with his wife, collecting model cars, playing computer games and expanding on his outdoor model-train track "Meltonville." Those close to Dale would describe him as creative, handy and always joking. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 26, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Montano Chapel, 1100 Montaño Rd. NW. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE.