Allen Boyd Mellinger

He was born on Nov. 24, 1923 in Auburn, IL the son of the late Sherman Thomas and Ollie Jane (Boyd) Mellinger. He married H. Olene Lowe in 1971 and she preceded him in death in 1995.

Mr. Mellinger worked for Allis Chalmers, later known as Fiat Allis for 30 years. He was a mason for 50 years. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge # 762 in Athens, IL and was a member of Cherry Hills Baptist Church. After retirement, he drove a school bus for the Porta school district and also transported dialysis patients through the Menard County Senior Citizens. He was an avid antique collector and was known to family and friends for his generosity and willingness to help others. He particularly enjoyed being a part of the O.K. (Old Kids) Club at Cherry Hills Baptist Church.

He is survived by a daughter Janet Peebles of Springfield, 3 grandchildren, Tim (wife Patty) Peebles of Chicago, IL, Jodi (husband Ric) Grant of Springfield, and Traci (husband A.J.) Sperle of Island Lake, IL, 5 great-grandchildren, Cody and Delaney Grant, Nicholas Peebles, and Emmagrace and Dalton Sperle.

Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law Gary Peebles and 2 brothers, William and Dean Mellinger.

Services are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield where visitation will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 1 pm until 3 pm. Graveside funeral service will then be held at 3:30 pm at Chatham Cemetery, with Cindy Lash officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cherry Hills Baptist Church O.K. (Old Kids) Club.

Please visit the online obituary at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.