In Memory

Boyd Melvin

Boyd "Bud" Clay Melvin  (February 11, 1938 - June 2, 2015)  Boyd "Bud" Melvin, 77, of Dixon, died Tuesday June 2, 2015, at his home.  He served as a teacher, administrator, coach and advocate for over 30 years in the publc school setting in LaSalle Peru and Dixon prior to his retirement in 1993. Bud was born February 11, 1938 in Dixon, IL, to the late Lyle R. and Marian (Boyd) Melvin.  He graduated from Dixon High School in 1956, where he participated in football, wrestling, and track.  Following high school, he attended Northwestern University, graduating in 1962, with a bachelor's degree in East Asian Studies.  Also in 1962, while at Northwestern, Bud lettered in football and earned MVP honors and the Big 10 Conderence Medal of Honor. the conference's most prestigious award.  This honor is awarded to one studen-athlete from the graduation class of each university who had "attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work".  He married Jane Tully in 1962 at St. Patrick's Church in Dixon.  Bud stronly believed that education was the great equalizer, and that educational opportunities coupled with individual efforts were the primary vehicles by which a person could improve/change their life trajectory.  Post-retirement reflected his beliefs as he continued his life's work teaching a variety of college courses at the Dixon Correctional Facility, which he found to be some of the most fulfilling courses he ever taught. Bud was an active member of the community serving on a variety of boards and organizations.  He enjoyed exercising, reading Presidential biographies, attend Northwestern football games (until they raised the price of parking), public transportaion, refereeing at variety of high school sports, the arts and theatre, helping mold and shape the character of his grandchildren, and a good Chicago-stype hot dog.  He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Jan Melvin, three children, Lynn Melvin, Matt (Michelle) Melvin, and Mary (Tony) White, his sister, Sally Tiffany: and six grandchildren, Devin, Alexandra, Max, Trey, Ben, and Reed.



 
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06/04/15 09:05 PM #1    

Jackie Whitmer (Wooldridge)

I'm so sorry to read of Bud's passing.  My deepest sympathies to Jane and her family. 


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