Mel Poston

Melvin J. Poston, "Papa Mel", 67, of Moline, IL, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at home with his family. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 21st, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline. Funeral services celebrating his life, will be held Friday, August 22nd, at 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will be at National Cemetery on Arsenal Island, Rock Island, IL, with Military Honors accorded by American Legion Post 246. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Moline High School Class of 1959 Scholarship Fund. Mel was born June 28, 1941, in Akron, OH, the son of the late Ralph and Edna Mae Ballard Poston. He graduated from Moline High School, and attended Black Hawk College. He married Donna J. Hoaglund in Moline, on February 5, 1971. He was a Vietnam Veteran, serving from 1966 - 1968, and was an active lifetime member of the Vietnam Veteran's Association Chapter 299, and American Legion Post 246 of Moline. Before retiring in 2004, Mel worked as a lease manager at Learner's, and finished his career at Kars Leasing. Recently, he was the treasurer for the MHS Class of '59 Scholarship Fund. He was an avid reader, and frequented the Moline Public Library. Mel enjoyed photography, golfing, Apple computers, crossword puzzles, and Jeopardy. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and he cherished the time with his grandchildren. Whether he was working on special woodworking projects, attending music concerts, drama functions, or softball tournaments, "Papa Mel" always had a camera in his hand and a smile on his face. He is survived by: his wife, Donna; a step-son, William (Kelly) Head of Coal Valley; a step-daughter, Pamela Hoeper of Fernandina Beach, FL; four grandchildren: Jessica Burbridge, Jacquelyn Burbridge, Brandon Head, and Mackenzie Head; two brothers: Terry Poston of Geneseo, IL, and Mark Poston of Moline; a sister, Ginny (Larry) Vande Geest of Moline; many nieces and nephews; close friends, Ray and Pat Hamilton, Rod and Nancy Lindstrom, and the North Enders at Hafner's. Mel was preceded in death by his parents.