Kirk Matthew Melton

Kirk Matthew Melton, 51, passed away Wednesday, October 10, 2012 in Champaign County, Illinois as the result of an auto accident. He was born September 8, 1961 in Alton, Illinois to Joyce and Harold Melton. Kirk was a graduate of Schlarman High School, Illinois State University, and Malcolm X College. He is survived by his mother, Joyce, his children Caleb and Colleen, their mother, JoAnn, his special friend, Sue Duez. He also leaves his brother, Kevin (Debbie), sisters Kerrie (Mike) Levi, Julie (Jaime) Wood, Laurie (Steve) Sermersheim; nieces and nephews Kenny Melton, Katie (Sean) Thomson, Kellie (Jamie) Tuberty, Matthew (Amber) LeJohn, Lauren (Steven) LeJohn, Kasie Levi, Jesse Levi, Savanna (Steven) Beheler, Caroline Wood, Molly Sermersheim, Jake Sermersheim; great nieces and nephews Kayli and Luke LeJohn, Lily Melton, and Sam Tuberty. He is preceded in death by his father, Harold. Kirk was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and loved watching his Cardinals play at Busch Stadium; especially when they beat the Cubs. He was a talented self-taught musician and wood-carver. He built a bass guitar out of walnut from his grandad's Missouri farm. He played the mandolin and composed songs. His other hobbies were collecting Indian artifacts, scuba diving, and had worked as a diver for the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory. He loved farming, making homemade jellies, and was known as "The Jelly King." He served in the Army, the Illinois National Guard, and was a member of the Vermilion County Rescue team. Kirk was a Physician's Assistant for clinics and emergency rooms. He was passionate about his profession and cared deeply for his patients. A celebration of life memorial service for Kirk will take place at 2:00 PM Sunday, October 14, 2012 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration in Danville with Fr. Greg Nelson officiating. A visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will take place on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Danville National Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Caleb and Colleen Melton in c/o First Illinois Credit Union. Please join Kirk's family in sharing photos, videos and memories of him through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com