Albert I Melton

Albert I. Melton, 96, of Blair House, Normal, passed away at 3:07 p.m. Monday, September 19, 2011 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.

Mr. Melton was born August 31, 1915 in Mackinaw, IL to Irl Hicks and Melvina “Anna” Greathouse Melton. He married Nettie “Pat” Graves on September 8, 1940 in Bloomington. They were married 63 years, until her death October 7, 2003.

Surviving are two daughters, Nancy (Kent) Deffenbaugh of Bloomington and Janet Judd of Springfield; 5 grandchildren Wade (Eva) Deffenbaugh of Basking Ridge, NJ, Wendy (Kurt) Rudsinski of Forsyth, IL, Heidi (Mark) Reynolds of Concord, CA, Mark Judd of Las Vegas, NV and Matthew Judd of Maryland Heights, MO; as well as 6 great-grandchildren, Albert was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters and 1 brother.

Albert was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. He graduated from Brown’s Business College and was employed at Funk Brothers Seed Company for over 40 years, retiring in 1978. He was a 33rd Degree Mason at the Bloomington Masonic Lodge and was a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington for many years.

A graveside service for Albert will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 23, 2011 at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington, with visitation beginning a half hour prior at East Lawn Funeral Home. Rev. Chip Hardwick will officiate.

Albert’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Olivia and Becky; dad’s loving caregivers during the last few years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.Eastlawn-Bloomington.com.