Norman "Doc" Melvin

Norman “Doc” Melvin, 88, went to be with the Lord on April 20, 2024. Norman was born on September 3, 1935, in West Frankfort, Illinois, to Ray and Ava Melvin. He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years Patricia Stalcup Melvin.

Norman always said he was a millionaire because he wouldn’t have taken a million dollars for any one of his daughters. They are Kathy Melvin, Julie (Kevin) Tate, Karen (Randy) Harpster, and Carla (Mark) McDaniel. He was a wonderful and proud grandfather to Carl Melvin Staffey, who proceeded him in death; Zach (Mary Elizabeth) Tate; Emily (Cole) Forby; Kylie (Logan) Cameron; Alex (Taylor) Staffey; Kourtney (Kodey) Costello; and Hannah Harpster. He enjoyed his great-grandchildren Kason & Millie Forby, Addison Cameron, and Zaviar Costello.

Norman was a lifelong member and elder at Grace Bible Church. He served in the Army after receiving a draft notice on his wedding day. He retired from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. He also spent many years running up and down basketball courts as a referee. He walked many miles hunting quail and arrowheads. He planted thousands of trees in southern Illinois, including those at his own Christmas tree patch. Norman served as a Precinct Committeeman for many years.

Norman was the youngest and last survivor of nine children. His brothers and sisters were Smith, Don, Rex, Guy and Bill Melvin; Leonia Bowlby; Rosetta Potts: and Betty.

Services will be on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, Illinois, with visitation at 11:00 AM and service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Military Rites will be conducted by the Thompsonville American Legion and the Army Honors Squad.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Can’s Can Ministries, which is a local Ministry in our community serving children & the elderly, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

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