Melvin Porch

Melvin "Mel" L. Porch, 82, of Lacon, IL, passed away
peacefully at his home, at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday, February 15,
2014, surrounded by his family.


Mel was born on October 21, 1931 in Toluca, IL a son of Nathan
"Red" and Velma (Barrett) Porch. He married Anne "Rocky" Nelson on
April 16, 1955. Surviving are; his loving wife Rocky, his children;
Rocky (Eric) Schave of Henry, IL;  Jacque (Randy) May, of
Peoria, IL;  Penny (Steven) Green, of Henry, IL;  Rick
(Stephanie) Porch of Henry, IL;  Janey (Tony) Unruh of
Pattonsburg, IL; Bobbi (Kevin) Smith of Henry, IL;  Joydawn
(Stephen) Baldoni of Henry, IL and Brandon (Shanelle) Porch, also
of Henry, IL; 23 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Also
surviving are his siblings; Rosina Volker of Toluca, IL; Dale
(Diane) Porch of Peoria, IL; and LaDonna Porch of Toluca, IL.
Also, sister-in-laws, Linda Porch of Toluca, IL and Kay Porch
Aldridge of Normal, IL; Joanie Demers of Calgary, Alberta Canada,
and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.


Proceeding him in death are his parents, Nathan and
Velma (Barrett) Porch, a sister, Twilla Andrews, brothers; Barrett
"Frosty" Porch, Stacey Porch, brother-in-law; Normand Andrews,
Harry Volker, Clarence Gunville, sister-in-law Leona Eden and
grandchildren, Rachel and Korey Korenchuk.


Mel was a Korean War veteran. He served as a Ranger
in the 82nd Airborne Division stationed in the United
States and in Germany, where he met his wife, Rocky, who was
stationed in Zweibrucken, Germany as a member of the 3rd
fighter wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force. He retired from Local
150 Operating Engineers in October, 1996. He was also a member of
the First Presbyterian Church of Henry, where he served as an elder
and a member of the session, Ladd Moose Lodge #1528 and John Steel
Chapter 82nd Airborne Division Association.


Mel's two greatest passions in life were his family
and his faith. He also liked gardening, traveling, and camping. He
especially enjoyed visiting Banff National Park in Calgary, Alberta
Canada. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and Papa. We
will forever miss him. He will always be in our hearts and
memories.



Cremation rites have been accorded with a memorial service on
Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. with visitation one hour
prior at Lenz Memorial Home in Lacon, IL.  Reverend Tim Barber
will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date.  Memorials
can be given to Peoria Rescue Ministries or the Paralyzed Veteran's
Association. Online condolences can be left at
lenzmemorialhome.com

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