Melvin K. Joos

Melvin K. Joos, 72, of Washington, IL died at 9:15 pm Friday, June 10, 2016 at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. Born on May 26, 1944 in Washington, IL to Frederick G. and Luella Knapp Joos Sr., he married Pat Tilton on July 1, 1995 at Glen Oak Park in Peoria. Pat survives. Also surviving are his children, Darin Joos of Champaign, IL, Cara Joos, of Columbia, MO, Karin Tilton Gurdian of Springfield, IL, and Rob (Teresa) Tilton of Washington, IL, 5 grandchildren, Nick Gurdian, Alex Gurdian, Jessica Tilton, Ashley Tilton, and Olivia Tilton, his brother, Frederick (Shirla) Joos Jr. of Washington, IL, two sisters, Myrna York of Wilmington, DE and Maralee Joos (Jon Anderson) of Gainesville, FL and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved dog, Smooch. Mel began his working career with Chris Ebert Company in Washington, where he was a well driller helper. He then went on to complete a 5 year apprenticeship with Steamfitters Local #353 in Peoria, and worked out of that local for over 50 years. He finished his career with Pipco Companies, Ltd. in Peoria as a Project Manager, where his last project was the renovation of the Hotel Pere Marquette. From 1992-2014, Mel served on the Washington Planning Commission, 20 years of which he served as the Chairman. He also had been a volunteer for the Deer Creek Fire Department for several years, and was currently co-chairman of the Washington Old Farts Club. Known for his love of the outdoors, Mel enjoyed hunting ducks, pheasants, quail, deer, elk, and even prairie dogs out west. He also enjoyed fishing on Kentucky Lake and in Canada. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, a member of Ducks Unlimited, a founding member and served as President of the Washington Chapter of Pheasants Forever, was a member of Peoria Skeet Club, and was President and part owner of the Golden Eye Duck Club in Lacon, IL. He was a proud owner of a BMW motorcycle, and belonged to the BMW Illinois Valley Club 70. He, Bob Ebert, and his brother Fred Joos Jr., rode 3 laps on the Daytona 500 track, high-banking and all, and completed 2 laps 2 years apart on the Springfield Mile Track. He also rode his motorcycle in every state but Nevada and attended the annual BMW Rally Tours. Funeral Services for Mel will be at 11 am Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Washington. Pastor John N. Bates will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, with additional visitation from 10-11 am Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Memorials may be made to the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Washington, or to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation 8330 Ward Parkway Suite 510 Kansas City, MO 64114. Mel’s family also wishes to acknowledge Dr. Patricia Deters and the entire staff of the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home for their wonderful care and concern.

Melvin K. Joos

May 26, 1944 - June 10, 2016