Herman L. Melhorn's Obituary
Decatur – Herman LaRue Melhorn, 94, of Decatur, ended his life’s journey here on earth and was Heaven bound on wings of Angels on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Mr. Melhorn was born September 11, 1919 with his twin who died at birth in Macon, Illinois, to Roy L. and Edna (Hudson) Melhorn. He was a WWII Army veteran, serving his country in Italy, Germany and Africa. Upon leaving the military he was employed by Simmons Construction, JJ Swartz. He also operated his own business, Mel’s Automotive and Painting Garage, out of his home before retiring in 1985. He married Betty Brunbeck in 1946 and they later divorced. He then married Margaret Lucille (Lowery) Voyles in Crown Point, IN, in 1964.
This was a large family from the start. Children include: Marcia Lee (Waldron) Crawford (deceased), Evelyn Lorraine (Voyles) Vest (deceased), Reyburn Wyatt Voyles of Decatur, John Bryant (wife, Pam) Voyles of Henryetta, OK, Verna Mae (Voyles) (husband, Don) Hoffman of Mt. Zion, Patricia Ann (Voyles) (husband, Jim) Belcher of Decatur. Mr. Melhorn had one child of his own who died as a toddler. Mr. Melhron was blessed with 17 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, and 33 great-great grandchildren.
Surviving grandchildren are: Lori Walton of Springfield, Todd Hoffman of Avon, IN, Mark Hoffman, John Crawford, Richard Crawford, Scott Crawford, and Theresa Belcher all of Decatur, Justin Voyles, Cindi Jo of Henryetta, OK, Dawn Kilgus of Bloomington, Beth Soria of Mechanicsburg, and James Cook of Herrick.
When it came to cars, trucks, tractors, body work and painting vehicles of all shapes and sizes he knew his business. He was happiest doing the things he loved with vehicles. He also enjoyed gardening, horses and his beloved pets.
Mr. Melhorn was a friendly, loving, giving and forgiving man who never met a stranger. If you walked into his life you had made a friend for life. He was blessed to have had many faithful and loyal friends. A multitude of family, nieces and nephews.
Mr. Melhorn, who we lovingly call “Mel”, has outlived his parents, all of his siblings, the love of his life Lucille, daughters: Marcia and Evelyn, grandchildren: Albert, Debra, Michael, Kelly, and Michelle.
Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 4, 2014 in the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home with a memorial service celebrating his life to follow at 3 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date at Macon County Memorial Park.
The Melhorn family is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL 62526. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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