Reverend Melvin “Buck” Larson, 93, of Mount Vernon, Illinois passed away at 6:10 P.M.July 14, 2018 at his residence. He was born September 8, 1924 in Woodlawn, Illinois to the late Olaf and Nellie (Fuller) Larson. Buck married Wilma (Rector) Larson on September 20, 1945 in Mount Vernon. They were blessed with 72 years of marriage.

In addition to his wife, Melvin is survived by his children, Peggy Smith of Mount Vernon, Illinois, John Larson and wife, Jennifer of Bonnie, Illinois, and Robin Larson and wife, Tina of Wilmington, Illinois; ten grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Norma Fisher and husband, Donald of Mount Vernon, Illinois and Marlene Wood of Wayne City, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by his sisters, Thelma Likens and Alma Lee Wilkinson; and son-in-law, William Smith.

Melvin, known as “Buck” by many, served his country in the Navy during World War II, and worked for Western Auto and Auto Lite in Mount Vernon. He was called to preach and ordained as a minister at New Hope Baptist Church in 1953. He has served as pastor at New Hope (Webb), West Side and Belle Rive Baptist, Bethel Baptist, and Antioch Baptist churches in Jefferson County; Plainfield Baptist Church, Marseilles Baptist Church, and Manhattan Baptist Church in northern Illinois. He retired from Caterpillar in 1986. Buck served as a volunteer chaplain at Crossroads Hospital. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.  Melvin was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

A Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 17, 2018 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois with Reverend Ralph Wilton and Pastor Richard McCormick officiating.  Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. Members of the Mount Vernon American Legion will conduct a flag presentation ceremony at the cemetery.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.