Melvin Charles Wempen, Sr.
January 1, 1925 ~ September 10, 2020
Melvin Charles Wempen, Sr. 95, of Morrisonville, passed away at 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at Taylorville Skilled Nursing and Rehab.
Melvin was born January 1, 1925 in Raymond, the son of Henry and Meta (Pehle) Wempen. He graduated from high school in Raymond, and proudly served our country in the United States Army from March of 1945 until his honorable discharge in November of 1946. Melvin served one year in Japan during World War II. When he returned home, he married Shirley Jones on February 9, 1947 at the United Methodist Church in Litchfield.
Melvin farmed for a short period of time, and then worked for W.H. Kent for 15 years. He then started with Hostess, where he developed the route in this area. Later in his career, Melvin worked briefly for Holland Dairy, before retiring. He helped establish the Morrisonville Community Ambulance, and was very involved with the Morrisonville-Palmer Fire Protection District, serving as Fire Chief for many years. Melvin was also a very active member of the Morrisonville United Methodist Church, serving as head usher, board member, and Sunday School Superintendent. He was a member of the American Legion Post #721 in Morrisonville, Masonic Lodge #681 in Morrisonville, and the Christian County Shrine Club. Melvin loved mowing, and working in the yard, so much that, he had a lawn mowing business.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Karen Sue Wayne; infant twin sister who died at birth; brother, James Wempen; and sister, Ruth McGinnis.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Shirley Wempen of Morrisonville; sons, Melvin (wife, MaDonna) Wempen, Jr. of Raymond, and Kurt (wife, Janet) Wempen of Morrisonville; daughter, Connie (husband, Jim) Young of New Windsor; 10 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.
Private family ceremonies with Masonic Rites will be held, with Rev. Dayle Badman officiating.
Interment with military honors will follow the ceremonies at Elm Lawn Memorial Park in Litchfield.
Memorial contributions may be made to: United Methodist Church, PO Box 52, Morrisonville, IL 62546.
The family has entrusted Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home, 304 Carlin St., Morrisonville, IL 62546 with ceremonies.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.
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So many fond memories of growing up in Morrisonville and hanging out at the Wempens. Karen and I were besties throughout our school years. Remember well coming from school and Karen and I took the twins for a stroller ride. Melvin was working for W.H. Kent at that time, I think, so I didn’t see him often but he was always kind when I did. Prayers of comfort to you, Shirley, and all the family.
Shirley,
So sorry to read of Mel’s passing.
I always enjoyed playing Bingo with you & Mel.
Take care of yourself.
Debi Kiefer
Melvin & MaDonna,
Thoughts and. prayers are with you at this time. Please remember me to Mrs. Wempin (Sr.). I doubt that she will remember me after all these years. Thinking of you.
Kurt, I am so sorry to see that your father passed away. He was such a caring person and really did good things in the t. Worked with him and you thru Civil Defense. Will remember him as a very good guy.
My condolences in your loss. May God give you comfort, Kurt and Janet.