Melvin L. Paris, 68, of Machesney Park, Illinois, passed away Sunday (March 3, 2013 at Rockford Memorial Hospital.

Born December 27, 1944, in Oklahoma City, OK, he was the son of Harold L. and Hazel (Johnson) Paris. On September 30, 1972 in Green City, Missouri, Melvin was united in marriage to Charlotte Johnson.

Melvin is survived by his wife Charlotte of Machesney Park, IL; his son, Brent Paris; grandchildren, Kayla and Katelin Paris; step-mother, Velma Paris; sisters, Deb Johnson and husband Don, Denna Butterbaugh and husband Larry; brothers, Mike (Cathy), Bill (Sandy), Randy, Larry (Fran) and Allen Paris, Kenny (Mitzie) and Ronnie (Linda), Douglas, Darryl, Norman and Timmy (Marlene) Goucher; special friend, Betty Stewart; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold; mother, Hazel Goucher; step-father, Pat Goucher and one brother, Terry Goucher.

Melvin was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was employed by Sunstrand thirty-two years until retiring in 1999.

Melvin was a past president of UAW Local 592, former Winnebago County board member and current president of UAW Building Association. Previously Melvin served on the Rockford Sanitary District Board, was former Harlem Township Recorder, was financial secretary of the Labor Day Parade Committee and Democratic Caucus, and was a member of R.U.L.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday (March 12, 2013) with family receiving friends one hour before the service in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville. Pastor Alan Coonfield will officiate the service and Interment with Military Honors will follow the service at Pratt Cemetery, southwest of Novinger, Missouri.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Melvin Paris Memorial Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.