Remembering a friend: Lightfoot was treasured for his customer service
Not everyone knew his real first name, or that he had a twin brother whose name played into his nickname “Melton.”
But those who knew Melvin “Melton” Lightfoot said they would never forget him and his legendary friendliness and customer service at the former Holiday Inn on Columbus’ west side, where he served as a “busser” for more than 38 years, continuing on when the facility became the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center.
Lightfoot, 67, died the day after Christmas at Columbus Regional Hospital after suffering from COVID-19 for about 10 days, leaving his family and co-workers grieving the loss of a customer service champion who never forgot the importance of a smile and exceeding a customer’s expectations.
Customers and friends grieve the loss of Melton Lightfoot, known for his legendary customer service
therepublic.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from therepublic.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
CRH seeing COVID-19 hospitalization numbers increasing
therepublic.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from therepublic.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Ron W. Dutcher COLUMBUS Ron W. Dutcher, 53, of Columbus, passed away unexpectedly at 7:21 p.m. Friday, December 24, 2020 at Columbus Regional Hospital. Ron was born December 29, 1966, in Bartholomew County, Indiana, the son of Willard J. and Marilyn Fodrea Dutcher. On May 19, 2011, he married Keri Robertson. Mr. Dutcher enjoyed collecting. He enjoyed a large collection of knives, swords and at one time, an extensive collection of Superman memorabilia. Ron also enjoyed woodworking. He will be remembered as a great cook that loved to experiment with new dishes. Baking was one of Ron’s specialties; including but not limited to, cookies, cakes, cobblers, snicker doodles and baloney crud. He took joy in singing with his family and was an excellent singer. His sense of humor and comedic approach to life will be missed by those that knew him.
Former officers receive suspended sentences
Two former Columbus Police Department officers have been given suspended sentences by a special judge after pleading guilty to ghost employment.
Dan Meister, 47, 952 Jackson St., Hope and Ron May, 59, 8015 S. County Road 875W, Columbus were originally charged with official misconduct, ghost employment and theft all Level 6 felonies.
Both worked a second job providing security at Columbus Regional Hospital while clocked in as city officers. Meister is accused of overlapped hours worked on 52 separate occasions, while May is accused of overlapped hours on 62 separate occasions between Jan. 1, 2013 and Aug. 31, 2018, according to a State Board of Accounts audit.