Melvin Goss

Melvin C. Goss, 82, of Pekin died at 8:10 pm Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at his home. Mel was born on May 23, 1927 in Manito, IL to Edmund and Lucille (Rakestraw) Goss. He married Verla Paine on December 3, 1949 in Pekin, IL. Preceding in death are his parents and two brothers, Kenneth and Robert Goss. Surviving are: his wife, Verla of Pekin; one son, Terry (Kristia) Goss of Pekin; one daughter, Barbara (Richard) Rowan of DeKalb, IL; four grandsons, Treg(Christie), Ty Caryn) and Trent (Rhonda) Goss and Neal Rowan; five great grandchildren, Tyler, Tanner, Taylor, Luke and Logan Goss; two brothers, Clifford Goss and Larry (Diane) Goss both of Pekin. Mel attended Douglas School and Pekin High School. He was a WWII Veteran of the United States Navy. In 1952 he went to work for N.E. Finch Company as a truck driver. He retired from there in 1988. He then worked at the Pekin Park District maintenance department for eight years. He was a life time member of William Schafer Post #44 American Legion and 40 et 8, Chef de Gare Passe. He enjoyed fishing and bowling. Mel had been an 'official member' of the Die-Hard Cub Fan Club since 1938.