Melvin Pursey, 81 of rural Carlinville, IL, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at his home.

Melvin was born March 12, 1944, in Carlinville, IL, a son of Joseph Wesley and Lucille (Ketchum) Pursey. Melvin graduated from Carlinville High School with the class of 1962. He married Patricia Brown, in May 1965.

Melvin had been a trucker, mechanic, and farmer for all of his life in Carlinville. He had been in the US Air Force, Army and the Air National Guard. He served on his Township Board for over 30 years. He liked to tell stories about his young days, especially trucking stories. He was always game for coon hunting. He loved old semi-trucks and tractors. You could often find Melvin sitting at the end of his driveway watching traffic go by and watching his neighbors across the road. He was the neighborhood watchman and will be missed. His greatest joy was spending time with his two grandsons.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, twin grandchildren, spouse, Patricia Pursey, and brother, Harold Pursey.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, 9:00 -11:00 am at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville, IL.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 am, Friday, January 23, 2026, at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville, IL, with Chad Carty presiding.

Burial will follow in Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery, Carlinville, IL.

Melvin is survived by his daughter, Jodi (Greg) Griffel of Carlinville, IL, grandsons, Jacob (Kailey Fagg) and Jordon Griffel, sister-in-law, Donetta Pursey, niece, Lori Pursey, and several brothers and sisters-in-laws, great nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Chesterfield Community Center.

Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville, is in charge of arrangements.