Dean R. Melvin, 87, of Burlington, IA passed away 6:45 Sunday morning, February 23, 2020. He was born on April 1, 1932 near Raritan, IL, the son of Paul and Blanche (Links) Melvin.

Surviving is his wife of 43 years, Beverly (Foster) Melvin.

Dean accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 14. He was a lifelong member of Old Bedford Christian Church near Blandinsville, Illinois where he served as an elder for 24 years and 8 years as chairman of the board. and most recently was a member of Parkside Baptist Church in Burlington, Iowa.

Dean farmed for over 50 years near Blandinsville, IL He enlisted in the Naval Reserves in 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1954. He was an avid reader, loved flying airplanes and once built and flew his own ultralight.

Besides his wife, Beverly, survivors include 3 sons and one daughter: Mark (Audrey) Melvin, Montrose, IA, David (Bev) Melvin, LaHarpe, IL, Terry (Teresa) Melvin, Plymouth, IL; daughter, Kelly (Larry) Williams, South Pasadena, FL; 4 step-children: Susan Duke of Cantrall, IL, Jeff (Lisa) Hardy of Colchester, IL, Nancy (Glenn) Braker of New Berlin, IL of Sondra (Les) Jones of Apopka, FL. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren, 9 step-grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 5 step- great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant granddaughter: Carey Melvin, great granddaughter: Alexis Miller, and step-grandson: Mitchell Williams; one sister: Doris Allison and one brother: Lester Melvin.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Randy Spiker officiating. Military Rites will follow at the funeral home. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

Cremation will be entrusted to Banks & Beals following the service. Inurnment will be at a later date in LaHarpe Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established for Great River Hospice, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Special Needs Foundation of Des Moines County.