Mark M Melchers

Born August 26, 1959 in Pekin to Dr. Earl Earnest and Margaret Elizabeth "Marge" (Mason) Melchers, he married Laura Lynn Anderson on September 23, 2001 in Carmel, California.  She survives.

Also surviving are his mother of Pekin; one brother, Brian E. (Laurie) Melchers of Greenwood, Indiana and two nieces, Rachel Leigh Melchers and Danielle Rae Melchers, both of Greenwood.  He also leaves his new kitten, Lily Munster, whom he adored.

His father preceded him in death.

He was a 1977 graduate of Pekin Community High School, where he played basketball and ran cross country. In 1981, he received his Associates Degree from Illinois Central College in Industrial Electronics.

Mark worked as an electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, first with Local 34 in Peoria and then with Local 134 in Chicago, last working as foreman and lead journeyman.  For 8 years with Local 134 he was the house electrician for the Chicago Board Option Exchange.  He also had worked for the Nuclear Power Plants in Bay City, Texas and Byron, Illinois.  He also worked as a self-employed home inspector for many years.

A devoted husband, Mark loved traveling and was a talented photographer.  He was fond of classic cars and enjoyed woodworking.  His interests also included researching his family's genealogy.

He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where his funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 22, 2007.  The Rev. Gary L. Ford will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 21, 2007 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, and also from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.  Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Rushville City Cemetery, with Rev. Mary J. Arnold officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2580 Federal Drive, Suite 403, Decatur, IL 62526 or to the Pekin Park Foundation, 1701 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.