Melvin "Buzz" Mahr

Melvin A. 'Buzz' Mahr, 82 of Pekin passed away at 9:50 am Sunday, July 6, 2008 at his home. Buzz was born May 21, 1926 in Manito, IL to Matthew A. and Elsie J. (Batterton) Mahr. He married Mary Ellen Davis on May 21, 1948 in Pekin. He was preceded in death by his parents andone sister. Surviving are: his wife, Mary Ellen of Pekin; one son, Buzz (and Rita) Mahr of Pekin; two daughters, Judy Poe of Creve Coeur and Vicki (and Rob) Louchart of Pekin; six grandchildren, Jimmy Fletcher, Melinda Holmes, Matt and Marty Mahr, Megan and Anne Louchart; eight great grandchildren; two sisters, Etta Sidell of Pekin and Wanda Wasion of Kenosha, WI. Buzz retired from Keystone Steel and Wire Co. in 1971 after 23 years. He owned Mahr Auto Sales in Pekin for many years. He was a member of the Peoria Sportsman Club, American Legion Post #44 in Pekin. He was also a former member of the Elks Lodge # 1271 in Pekin. He was involved with stock cars, go carts and drag race cars for many years. Buzz was a WW II Veteran of the United States Navy.