METAMORA — Melvin L. Forney, 80, of Metamora passed away peacefully at 10:02 a.m. Friday (Dec. 2, 2011) at his residence.

He was born on Jan. 18, 1931, in Minonk, the son of Emory and Ethel Ehringer Forney. He married Doris T. Elbert on April 30, 1953, in Metamora.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 58 years and their five children, Steve (Sheila) Forney of Washburn, Therese (Bruce) Smith of Noblesville, Ind., Kevin (Toni) Forney of Gurnee, and Annette (Dale) Whittington and Connie (Dave) Zimmerman, both of Metamora; 15 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Lowell Forney of Minonk.

His parents, one infant daughter, one sister, one brother and one infant great-grandson preceded him in death.

Melvin served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Rehoboth and was a Korean War veteran.

He retired from Caterpillar as a welding development engineer after 37 years in 1986. He was a member of the American Legion Post 89, was active in the Boy Scouts and was a volunteer driver for Emergency 116. Melvin enjoyed traveling, camping, cruises, woodworking, working on cars and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora.

A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Metamora, with Father Don Roszkowski as celebrant. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel,  with recitation of the rosary at 7 pm. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Metamora.

Memorials may be given in his name to St. Mary's School or Emergency 116. Notes of condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.masonfuneralhomes.com.