Mr. P. Tod Melton, of rural Dallas City, IL, a legend in his own right, died peacefully, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 at his home with his wife and three daughters by his side. He was 72.

Tod was born December 29, 1946 in LaHarpe, IL the son of Harl and Goldie Kachle Melton. On April 22, 1978 he married Sandy K. LaVelle in Fort Madison, IA.

He was a 1964 graduate of the Nauvoo-Colusa High School. He served in The US Navy with the Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the "Seabees". He served two tours in Vietnam, 1967 and 1968. Tod was a farmer and also worked as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator. He was an avid gardner, nature lover and planted many trees on his property. He enjoyed boxing and was active in the Dallas City Boxing Club. Tod loved spending time with his family and was always willing to help anyone, anytime.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy, three daughters, Layla (Trent Scanlan) Johnson of Niota, IL, Lindsey (Joe) Fischer of Dallas City and Leslie "Sid" Griffin of Donnellson, IA, six grandchildren, Avery and Autumn Johnson, Kaleb Fischer and Emily Palmer, Sophie Scanlan and Taylor Griffin and two sisters, Judy Vance of Carthage, IL and Jeanie Nelson of Collinsville, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will meet with friends Friday, February 15 ^th from 5:00 until 7:00pm at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City where Military Honors will be given following visitation. A memorial fund has been established in Tod's memory.