Melvin D. Hicks, age 78, of Gladstone, Illinois passed away at the Great River Hospice House on September 24, 2013 at 10:16 pm. Melvin was born on December 12, 1934 in Gladstone,Illinois the son of Dale Earl and Mildred Olive Bielser Hicks. He was raised and educated in Gladstone and graduated from G&O High School with the class of 1952. He also attended Western Illinois University. Melvin was in the United States Marine Corp from 1954 to 1957 attaining the rank of Corporal. He operated heavy equipment in Okinawa,Japan and Puerto Rico. Melvin married Wanda Jean Horn on January 11,1958 in Biggsville, Illinois. She preceded him in death on August 24.2002. He was employed at Case I.H. in Burlington, Iowa, then the Burlington Northern Railroad for a time. He then worked as an engineer for the U.S. Corp of Engineers on the river. He retired from Lock and Dam 18 at Gladstone, Illinois . Melvin enjoyed fishing,South Eastern Community College basketball, baseball, and softball. He enjoyed attending races at the 34 Raceway and Burlington Bee"s baseball games, working in his yard, gardening and reading. Melvin is survived by two daughters Nancy K. Hicks of Gladstone, Illinois and Sarah J. Hicks of Fairfield, Iowa, one sister Doris Van Winkle of Burlington,Iowa and a number of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his wife, parents, and one sister.

Services: Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 28,2013 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka,Illinois. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 to 10:30 am at Turnbull Funeral in Oquawka. A memorial fund has been established for the Gladstone Ambulance Service. For more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.