Bernard Dean Melvin

	Bernard Dean Melvin, age 75, died Saturday, October 14, 2000 in Springfield, Missouri.  He always considered DuQuoin his home and after retiring in 1973 had lived in Old Duquoin the remainder of his life.
	Dean, as he was known by friends, was born in DuQuoin on November 1, 1924, the son of Bernard H. and Lulu E. (Dry) Melvin.  In 1943 he joined the Army Air Corps and became a fighter pilot.  After WW II, he went onto the University of Minnesota where he received a degree as a registered pharmacist.  During his career he served ina number of posts, including overseas posts in Japan, Turkey- where he taught himself to speak Turkish fluently and Thailand.  In 1970 he graduated with high honors from the Air Force Institute of Technology with a Masters Degree in Logistics.  He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Lt. Colonel.
	Dean was united in marriage to Ramona Heisler in April of 1953 at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  He was a member of the Christian Fellowship Church, where he was an elder for many years.  He loved flying and anything to do with airplanes and was an avid gardener and artist.  Most of all, he was a loving spouse and a great father and grandfather; when his sons were young he was the one father who was always outside playing ball, flying model airplanes or kites with all the kids in the neighborhood.  He had a huge sense of humor and a keen intellect and his devotion to God and his family set an example for all those who knew him.
	Dean is survived by his wife Ramona; three sons, marc B. Melvin and wife Karen of Old DuQuoin, Michael D. Melvin and wife Sarah of DuqUoin and Dr. John W. Melvin and wife Sharyl of DuQuoin; seven grandchildren, Jason and Jennifer Melvin, Rachel and Risdon Melvin, Matthew Heckel and laura Reynolds and Amber Capone; four great-grandchildren, Hannah and Jonathan Heckel, Amanda Reynolds and Caden Capone.
	Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 18 at the Christian Fellowship Church in DuQuoin with Rev. Percy Pavloff officiating.
	Friends called from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Searby Funeral Home in DuQuoin and from 9 until 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
	Interment was in the IOOF Cemetery at DuQuoin.
	 Military graveside rites were conducted by the U.S. Air Force from Scott Air Force Base.
	 Friends may make memorials to the Christian Fellowship School.
