Lewis Melbert Linton, 88, of Ridge Township, died at 5:38 p.m., Thursday at the CHP Inpatient Hospice Center in Van Wert. He was born on January 31, 1927, in Pleasant Township, the son of the late Marion Russell and Marguerite Kathryn (Reed) Linton. On June 6, 1945, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Elizabeth "Betty" Annette Lauck. She preceded him in death on January 1, 2015. Family members include his daughter-in-law, Judy Linton of Van Wert; two brothers, John R. (Karen) Linton of Van Wert and Paul D. (Rita) Linton of Celina; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, Lewis was preceded in death by three children, Vicky Linton, Kenneth Linton, and Rose Mary Engel; two brothers, David Reed Linton and Russell Junior Linton; and two sisters, Mary Alice Thomas and Elenora Rank. Lewis graduated as salutatorian of the Class of 1945 of York High School. He was a lifetime farmer in Van Wert County and a member of Middle Point United Methodist Church, where he served as lay leader, board member, trustee, and teacher of the Faithful Followers Sunday School. He was a member of the Van Wert County Farm Bureau and served as director for the Middle Point Equity Elevator for many years. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 15, 2015, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Owens of Middle Point United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Ridge Cemetery near Middle Point. Calling hours are Monday 2 - 6 p.m., at the Funeral Home. Preferred memorials are to the Middle Point United Methodist Church or the Thomas Edison School.