Melvin F. Milnes

We celebrate the life and legacy of Melvin F. Milnes, who left us on November 7, 2026, at the age of 66. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, devotion, and countless cherished memories.

Born on September 26, 1960, Melvin grew up learning the value of family and determination. Throughout his life, he was a pillar of strength for those around him. Whether he was working hard in the fields farming, spending hours caught up in a great movie, or rooting for his favorite teams as a passionate sports fan, he threw his whole heart into everything he did. He was an active and dedicated member of the Disciples United Methodist Church, where his faith and community fellowship were a vital part of his life. Near the end of his life, Melvin brought that same dedication and warmth to the Forrestville Valley School District, where he worked as a custodian. He became a deeply beloved part of the school family, truly loving his time spent interacting with the students and working alongside the staff. Melvin never met a stranger—he was a natural storyteller who loved to talk to everyone, lighting up every room with his constant laughing, joking, and easy sense of humor.

His greatest joy, however, was his family. His proudest moments in life were his grandchildren, and he loved nothing more than attending all of their events, always anchoring the sidelines and bleachers to cheer them on. He spent his life teaching his children and grandchildren the importance of integrity, kindness, and supporting one another, a tradition of love that will be passed down for generations to come. To his grandkids, he will always be remembered for the sweet, quiet tradition of keeping a jellybean hidden in his shirt pocket, waiting just for them.

Melvin’s memory will be kept alive by his surviving family: his beloved wife, Sue Milnes; his sons, Jeremy (Allison) Milnes, Jason (Nichole) Milnes, and Justin (Ashley) Milnes; his brother, Vern Milnes; and his sisters, Janet Compton, Peg (Denny) Doering, Carol Hill, and Sharon Woodard. He is also survived by Sue's parents, Francis and Linda Snider; Sue's sisters, Deb Merchant (Mike Whitmarsh) and Denise Snider; and her brother, Steve (Laura) Snider. His legacy also lives on through his eight adored grandchildren who were his absolute pride and joy: Alex, Jonathan, Landyn, Finley, Leo, Wesley, Beckett, and Emerson. He is additionally survived by many loving nieces and nephews, as well as a wonderful circle of church family, close friends, coworkers, and extended relatives who meant the world to him.

He joins in peace those who went before him, including his parents, Vernon and Rhea Milnes; his sister-in-law, Cindy Milnes; his brothers-in-law, Mitch Woodard, T. Compton, and Daniel Snider; and his nephew, Ryan Woodard.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 13 from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston (203 3rd Ave). The funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 14 at the Disciples United Methodist Church, Mt. Morris (102 Maple Ave) with visitation from 10:00 am to the start of the service.

A memorial fund has been established.