Melvin was born on February 18, 1924 to MaeBelle (Biegler) and Roy “Sam” White. After the death of his mother when he was 12 years old, his dear grandmother and grandfather, Myrtle and Frank Biegler raised him and his brother, Donald “Trig” White, who preceded him in death.
He married Bonnie Clauson on June 8, 1947 and they were happily married for 60 plus years until her death in January of 2015. He is survived by his son, Brad (Eve) White and daughter, Lynn (Tony) Montle. He has 4 much-loved granddaughters: Renae (Clay) Johnson, Jennifer (Rob) Stewart, Mindy (Bill) Welsh, and Melissa Montle and her husband John McCarroll. In addition, he has 12 beloved great-grandchildren who survive him
Melvin served 3 years in the US Army Anti-Aircraft Division during the WWII Europe Campaign. He earned 3 overseas service bars, an American Campaign Medal, European-African- Middle Eastern Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star GO 18 HQ in Air Defense and the WWII Victory Medal. After his discharge, he graduated from Bradley University with honors while working full time and then had a 32 year career as a Market Analyst at Caterpillar, retiring in 1983.
Despite having only 2 years of piano lessons as a child, his playing was a natural gift. He began his piano career at age 15 playing for Betty Merkel's Dance Studio, where he met his wife Bonnie, who was teaching dance there. Melvin was a well-known and well-loved pianist in the community, accompanying and directing orchestras for over 180 musical plays at Corn Stock Theatre, Peoria Players, Caterpillar Employees' Chorus, Conklin's Dinner Theatre and Bradley University. He acted in and directed several plays as well. He and wife Bonnie entertained for years at local functions and presented "An Evening with Bonnie and Mel" at the Apollo Theatre. He also served on the Cornstock Board and the Municipal Band Commission. He was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and served on the Church Council, in addition to many years of service as the church organist. In the words of one of his admirers, Mel was a "master at the keys" and "along with Bonnie, they were a powerhouse of accomplishments, positive attitude and a never-ending dedication and love to the arts in our community. They were a joy to be around. Mel was a gentle professional and a comfort to the performers he accompanied".
Maybe most importantly, he was a brilliant man filled with integrity--a true gentleman who was dedicated to his wife and family. We are all comforted knowing that he and Mom are together for eternity, making beautiful music.
The family would like to thank the staff at Proctor Place Healthcare, where dad spent the last few years of his life. Words cannot express our gratitude for their excellent care and the love and comfort they gave him on a daily basis. A special thanks to his Unity Point Health Hospice nurse Mae, who was a warrior of tenderness and compassion to the end.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.
Memorials may be made to your favorite local theater program.
You may view Melvin’s obituary online at www.davison-fulton.com
