Elbert Melvin

Dean Melvin Marion—Elbert “Dean” Melvin, 83, of Marion passed away at 6:55 PM on Friday, September 28, 2012 at Sunset Health Care Center in Union, MO. Dean was born on August 14, 1929 in West Frankfort to Albert “Ab” Charles and Della Opal (Walker) Melvin. He graduated from West Frankfort High School in 1947. He served his country proudly in the US Army, 101st Airborne Division Paratroopers “Screaming Eagles” in Ft. Bragg, NC during the Korean Conflict. Once honorably discharged, he began a career as internal auditor for the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office and then as Park Ranger at Wayne Fitzgerald State Park before finally working as a Shuttle Car Operator for Freeman #4 Coal Mine. He was a faithful member of Marion Second Baptist Church and also sang in the choir. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing and won several trophies as a result, horse racing, watersports and bowling, he was a former league champion. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Lee (Simmons) Melvin of Marion; his children, Mike Simmons and wife Ann of Marion, Kim Smith and husband Herb of Thompsonville and Larry Melvin and wife Tammy of Killeen, TX; ten grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren; his sisters, Berniece Eubanks of West Frankfort and DeLoris Mann of Herrin, three nephews, one niece and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers in law- Art Eubanks, Daniel Mann and Joe Simmons. A celebration of life will begin at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Dr. Bob Wagner will officiate. Military rites will be performed at the funeral home. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM and extend until time of service Wednesday at the funeral home. Private inurnment services will be held at Maplewood Cemetery in Marion at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home in Marion.