Melvin Hancock

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Melvin J. Hancock, 90, of Advance passed away Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born March 24, 1927, at Hiram, Missouri, the son of Jasper and Ella Cook Hancock.

Melvin and Deloris Meador were united in marriage Dec. 29, 1945, at Hiram, and she preceded him in death on May 3, 2012. Melvin missed Deloris so much. He had been her caregiver for the last two years of her life.

Melvin and Deloris moved to Illinois in 1951 and spent 61 years there. Melvin had worked in timber prior to moving and farming in Illinois.

He loved to spend time with family, fish, build both furniture and buildings, and was able to fix anything mechanical. He was always outside, mowing grass, raking leaves or working in a garden. He and his wife were among sellers at the farmers' market in Pontiac, Illinois, for several years. For the past five years he had made his home in Advance with his daughter and son-in-law.

Survivors include two daughters, Sharon (George) Baylous of Normal, Illinois, and Karen (George) Craig of Advance; and a grandson, Shannon (partner Mary Krutke) Craig of Normal.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a sister.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Revs. Chris Meador and Dan Overton officiating. Burial will follow at Berrong Cemetery near Zalma, Missouri.

Memorial donations may be made to Berrong Church Fund (through Karen Craig, P.O. Box 614, Advance, MO 63730) or a charity of the donor's choice.