Carles D. "Mel" Melvin

MORTON - Carles D. "Mel" Melvin, 86, of Morton, passed away, Friday, March 15, 2019, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Carles was born October 22, 1932, in West Frankfort, Illinois, to Louie and Hattie (Mocaby) Melvin. He married Georgene "Jeanie" Rubin Burkley on June 16, 1973, in East Peoria.
Surviving are his wife, Georgene "Jeanie" of Morton; six children, David (Marci) Melvin of Houston, Texas, John (Angie) Burkley of Tremont, Jana Irvin of East Peoria, Deanna (Bret) Bruce of Pekin, Lori Sparks of Morton, and Greg (Stacie) Melvin of Nevada; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Naomi Fern Hicks of Lakeland, Fla.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, one brother, and four sisters.
Carles was a Korean War veteran, serving in the Navy from 1949 through 1953. He was a licensed electrical contractor for 50 years.
He was a fun-loving family man who enjoyed life to the fullest. He had a love for horses and raised them for many years. One of his joys in life was participating in rodeos, where he was active with the Lazy "C" Rodeo out of Virginia, Ill. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Carles was a Gift of Hope donor. Cremation rites have been accorded.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, April 20, 2019, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Morton, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., where there will be food and fellowship. Burial of the cremated remains will be at the Roberts Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Heart Association or a charity of the donor's choice.
Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center is handling arrangements.