P. Melvin Welbourne

He was born October 24, 1951 in Canton to William Dean and Clara Ruth (Wilcoxson) Welbourne, he married Janet Bailey in June 1971 in Havana.  He later married Lisa Butler.

Surviving are his mother, Clara Ruth (Larry "Buck") Pierson of Havana; 2 daughters, Regina (Preston White) Royer and Amber (Kevin) Masten, both of Havana; one son, Melvin (Lora) Welbourne of Havana; six grandchildren, Tiffany White, Zachary Royer, Shauna Welbourne, Cody Pratt, Nevaeh Welbourne and Cash Welbourne; three great-grandchildren, Caiden Trione, Carson Trione and Jaycee Trione-Royer; and one sister, Beckie (Allen Johnson) Beaird of Lewistown; and five brothers, William “Billy” (Laura) Welbourne of Pekin, Richy (Kathy) Welbourne of Port Charlotte, Florida, Lloyd Welbourne and Robby (Chrissy West) Pierson, both of Havana, and Mark (Lorri) Pierson of Lewistown.  He also leaves his ex-wives, Janet Bailey-Livingston of Havana and Lisa Butler of North Carolina and his former mother-in-law, Luana Butler of Havana.

Melvin was preceded in death by his father, William Welbourne and his step-mother, Regina Welbourne.

He had worked as a distributor for Budweiser in Charlotte, North Carolina.  He previously had worked in construction for many years.

Melvin was the most happy, loving man who had a wonderful sense of humor.  He will be remembered as a big teddy bear who made the most out of every situation.

He was an avid Chicago Bears fan.

His family will host a celebration of life beginning at noon on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Mad Jack's in Kilbourne.  Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana at a later date.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family to help with expenses.