Published: November 14, 2008 07:44 pm      

MELVIN R. BARROW

Melvin R. Barrow, 89, of Danville, passed away at 1:40 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, at the Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System.

He was born Sept. 13, 1919, in Chicago to Vernie and Grace Unger Barrow. Survivors include one half-brother, the Rev. Vernie (Barbara) Barrow of The Villages, Fla.; one half-sister, Catherine Crabtree of Hagerstown, Md.; and a dear friend and caretaker, Jackie (Donald) Smoot of Oakwood.

Melvin served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945. He was a recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Ribbon, three Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal and a Combat Infantry Badge. He was employed at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Danville for more than 20 years. He was a devout member of the Northside Church of the Nazarene. He was a history buff and enjoyed reading and collecting history and religious books; he was an avid bowler and worked crossword puzzles.

Funeral services: 11 a.m. Monday at the Northside Church of the Nazarene in Danville. Pastor Charles Hess will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in the National Cemetery in Danville. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at the Northside Church of the Nazarene. Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling service details.