IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Melvin Eugene
Anderson
April 21, 1955 – December 16, 2018
Obituary
AVA - Melvin Eugene Anderson, 63, of Ava passed away Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018 at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro.
Melvin was born April 21, 1955 in East St Louis IL to Howard and Virginia (Lusk) Anderson. He was baptized at St. Albert the Great in Belleville and confirmed at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Granite City. His first marriage to Susan Price blessed him with a son, Brian (Renee) Anderson of Steeleville IL. He married the love of his life, Diane Lynn Gerler on October 25, 1980 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill. They were blessed with a son, Keith (Ashley) Anderson, of Ava and daughter, Danielle (Adam Arnett) Anderson, of Murphysboro.
He was a butcher at Ava Food & Family Center for several years. Melvin then began his career as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician in Ava. After volunteering for a couple years, Melvin began working full-time for the Jackson County Ambulance Service and became a Paramedic. In 1990, Melvin and his partner Dottie Miles were recognized by the State of Illinois as heroes, related to their actions on an ambulance call. He retired in 2010 after 24 years of service. He worked for Southern Illinois Hospital Services for 8 years in several positions, retiring in January 2018.
Melvin often took his own St. Christopher's medal from around his neck and gave it to patients to keep. He received numerous thank you letters from patients and families over the years. He was affectionately referred to by his peers as "Uncle Mel," and he took pleasure in helping others, especially his family. He greeted everyone with a great big smile and never knew a stranger. His greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. He retired so he wouldn't miss any of their games or events. He enjoyed riding his Harley and looked forward to his cross country trips.
Melvin was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill and Sons of the American Legion, BBK 480. He was an Alderman for the City of Ava for several years. Melvin, along with Diane, was very supportive of Ava and they organized the original Ava Craft Festival and were active with the Ava Khoury League for many years.
In addition to his wife Diane and children, he is survived by grandchildren Alayna, Noelle, Bristol and Harper Anderson; one brother, Howard "Rusty" Anderson of Ava, one sister, Sandy (Ken) Stephenson of Mt. Vernon; his mother-in-law, Sarah Wydeck of Hurst; father-in law, Harvey Gerler of Ava; brother-in-law, Richard (Kathy) Gerler of Springfield TN; sister-in-law, Michelle (Jim) Rich of Hurst; aunts Melba, Patsey and Joann and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava with Rev. Alan Kornacki officiating, burial will follow at the Ava Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening at the funeral home where friends may call from 5 to 8 PM, and then on Wednesday from 7:30 until the hour of service. Memorials may be given to the Trico High School Softball program or donor's choice.
Melvin was born April 21, 1955 in East St Louis IL to Howard and Virginia (Lusk) Anderson. He was baptized at St. Albert the Great in Belleville and confirmed at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Granite City. His first marriage to Susan Price blessed him with a son, Brian (Renee) Anderson of Steeleville IL. He married the love of his life, Diane Lynn Gerler on October 25, 1980 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill. They were blessed with a son, Keith (Ashley) Anderson, of Ava and daughter, Danielle (Adam Arnett) Anderson, of Murphysboro.
He was a butcher at Ava Food & Family Center for several years. Melvin then began his career as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician in Ava. After volunteering for a couple years, Melvin began working full-time for the Jackson County Ambulance Service and became a Paramedic. In 1990, Melvin and his partner Dottie Miles were recognized by the State of Illinois as heroes, related to their actions on an ambulance call. He retired in 2010 after 24 years of service. He worked for Southern Illinois Hospital Services for 8 years in several positions, retiring in January 2018.
Melvin often took his own St. Christopher's medal from around his neck and gave it to patients to keep. He received numerous thank you letters from patients and families over the years. He was affectionately referred to by his peers as "Uncle Mel," and he took pleasure in helping others, especially his family. He greeted everyone with a great big smile and never knew a stranger. His greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. He retired so he wouldn't miss any of their games or events. He enjoyed riding his Harley and looked forward to his cross country trips.
Melvin was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill and Sons of the American Legion, BBK 480. He was an Alderman for the City of Ava for several years. Melvin, along with Diane, was very supportive of Ava and they organized the original Ava Craft Festival and were active with the Ava Khoury League for many years.
In addition to his wife Diane and children, he is survived by grandchildren Alayna, Noelle, Bristol and Harper Anderson; one brother, Howard "Rusty" Anderson of Ava, one sister, Sandy (Ken) Stephenson of Mt. Vernon; his mother-in-law, Sarah Wydeck of Hurst; father-in law, Harvey Gerler of Ava; brother-in-law, Richard (Kathy) Gerler of Springfield TN; sister-in-law, Michelle (Jim) Rich of Hurst; aunts Melba, Patsey and Joann and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava with Rev. Alan Kornacki officiating, burial will follow at the Ava Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening at the funeral home where friends may call from 5 to 8 PM, and then on Wednesday from 7:30 until the hour of service. Memorials may be given to the Trico High School Softball program or donor's choice.
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