Melvin Willis, 85, of East Moline, passed away Friday, September 5, 2025.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline.  Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the funeral home.  Burial will be at National Cemetery, Rock Island, with military honors.  Memorials may be made to Hospice Compassus or to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Melvin was born on February 10, 1940, in Clay County Mississippi, the son of James Melvin and Maudie Lee (Carter) Willis.  He married Martha Arnold on November 25, 1965, in East Moline, she preceded him in death on August 17, 2014.  Melvin was a proud veteran serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Era.  He was owner/operator of Midtown Auto Sales.  Melvin enjoyed classic cars, fishing, and lately taking relaxing car rides around town.  He was an avid Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan.  Melvin loved to travel, especially to Mexico and to his residence in Arizona. He was a dog lover, and was known as a dog grandpa to all.  Most of all he cherished the time spent with his family, especially watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren's activities.

Melvin is survived by his children, Joanna (Bill) McGinnis, Coal Valley and Tim (Angie) Willis, Farmington, MN; grandchildren, Andrew McGinnis, Amanda (Jacob) Bendixen, and Sarah Willis; great grandchildren, Ella Driskell, Bentley McGinnis, and Nashton Bendixen; and brothers, Billy Wayne Willis and Glenn Willis, both of MS.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Willis and his parents.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice Compassus - Autumn, Teagan, Candi, Bre, and Lisa, along with his private care givers - Lori, Brandi, Britney, Elisa, Zuri, and Kendra, and to the VA in particular Heidi and Lindsay, for all the great care and support they gave Melvin and family.