Melvin L. Curtis, 98, of Reynolds, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2022, at New Perspectives, Silvis.

Funeral service will be 11:00 am on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Reynolds United Methodist Church.  Visitation hour prior at the church.  Burial will be at Reynolds Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Reynolds United Methodist Church.

Melvin was born on the family farm at the northwest edge of Reynolds on July 12, 1924.  The son of Lee and Margaret (Wiggins) Curtis.  He married Eleanor Walker on November 22, 1944, in Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church, Milan.

Melvin enjoyed farming, livestock, and crops in the Reynolds area, retiring in 1983.  He was a member of Reynolds United Methodist Church.  Melvin graduated from Reynolds High School where he played basketball and softball.  After graduation, he played independent basketball and softball for a short time.  In earlier years, Melvin helped his daughters show ponies at numerous local fairs.  Through the years he enjoyed spending time with his family, celebrating birthdays with cousins, country line dancing, playing cards, bicycling, horseshoes, ping pong, volleyball, and telling stories of the "good ole days."  Melvin made friends everywhere he went with his outgoing personality and witty sense of humor.  For 36 years, Melvin and his wife wintered in Ft. Myers, FL at Palmetto Palms RV Resort.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 78 years, Eleanor, Reynolds; daughters, Carolyn Peterson, Moline, Sharon Meek, Moline, Diane Curtis, Schaumburg, IL, and Joann (Keith) Kinsey, Sarasota, FL; 5 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and 2 step great grandchildren.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Larene Bell; sons-in-law, Sheldon Meek and Russ Peterson; and several cousins.

The family would like to thank all the nurses/aides from New Perspectives and Compassus for the excellent care, kindness, and support given to Melvin.