John W. Melson (7-2-12) service 7-6-12

John W. Melson of Harvard, Ill., died Monday, July 2, at Northwoods Care Center in Belvidere, Ill. Mr. Melson was born in Wayne County, to the late William H. and Lillie Brewer Melson, Sept 27, 1921.

John served in the Army during World War II. He was always proud to say he served under General Patton. He was retired from Chicago Northwestern Railroad.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Anna Wallace, his second wife, Adelaide Chilson, and his son, John Melson; also brothers, Charlie, Robert, Virgil, Billy, Monroe; and sisters, Christine Melson, Mary Anna Melson and Carrie Welch.

He is survived by his sons, Ben (Christine) Melson of Savannah, David Melson of Rockford, Ill., Pete (Ruth)Melson of Kendallville, Ind., his daughters Mary Ellen (Ken) Reynolds of Harvard, Ill. and Debra (David) Decker of Rockford, Ill. Also surviving are brothers, Herbert of Misawaukee, Ind. , Frank of Harvard, Ill. and Austin of Dalton, Ga. and sisters Sarah Franks of Waynesboro, Gladys Brown of Harvard, Ill. and Elizabeth Harville of Savannah, and 21 grandchildren.

A private funeral service was held July 6, with Pastor Bob Brown officiating.