Born August 25, 1931 in Montgomery County, he was the son of George Earl and Ethel Edith (West) Bland. His parents and one infant sister, Betty Bland, preceded him in death.
Surviving are one daughter, Jody (Jim) Ash of Pekin; one son, David (Valerie) Bland of Pekin; four grandchildren, Nathan (Kellie) Ash, Sara (Jeff) Ray, both of Pekin, Jacob (Ali) Bland of Parker, Colorado and Joe (Melissa) Bland of Santa Clarita, California; nine great-grandchildren, Ericka (Ty) Wood, Kailee Ash-Ray, Brenden Ray, Trenton Ray, Anicka Ash, Austin Ray, Greyson Ray, Silas Bland and Ivy Bland; one great-great-granddaughter on the way and one sister, Melba (Larry) Hrabak of Coalton. He also leaves his longtime companion, Judy Oltman of Pekin.
Mel worked for Corn Products Company in Pekin for 43 ½ years, retiring as a security guard from Williams in 1993.
Mel had a kind heart and always used to tell that he was born a St. Louis Cardinals fan. He also always had a deck of cards with him and loved playing Euchre with family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. In earlier years, he coached his son in Little League and Biddy Basketball and had been a great player himself. He attended every dance recital for his family over three generations too.
Mel was a member of Normandale Reformed Church, where he formerly served the church on the Consistory, as a Deacon and as Treasurer.
His memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 28, 2022 at Normandale Reformed Church in Pekin. Jake Bland, his grandson, will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Inurnment will follow in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Normandale Reformed Church, 2001 South 2nd Street, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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