Obituary of Melvin Forbis

Melvin Richard "Mel" Forbis of Naples, FL died Wednesday, November 21, 2007. He was a man who loved his family, friends and his community and he will be dearly missed by all. Written by Mel Forbis in September 2007: Melvin Richard "Mel" Forbis was born March 2, 1934 at home on Richard Street, Joliet, IL. His parents Arthur J. Forbis and Mary Louise Cassineri Forbis, and his brother Joseph Forbis preceded him in death. Mel met his future wife, Jean Myrna Berry at Bradley University in 1955. They were married November 17, 1956 in Chicago at Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church. Mel attended St. Thomas Catholic Grade School and Woodruff High School in Peoria, IL. Mel was a Veteran of the Korean War serving from 1953 to 1954 and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) medal. The sons of Mel and Jean are: Richard John, Robert Craig, Ronald Melvin, Craig Randall, David Arthur. Mel and Jean have five of the best daughters-in-law anyone could ask for. They are Debra Mika Forbis, Sandra Guess Forbis, Mary Peters Forbis, Kimberly Madry Forbis, Dara Ashley Forbis. Mel and Jean have 21 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The grandchildren are; Nicole, Lauren, Robert, Jennifer, Ronald, Grant, Summer, Garrett, Olivia, Marissa, Zachary, Skyler, Jillian, Morgan, Tyler, Madison, Colton, Luke, Nicholas, Bennett, Tatum. The great-grandchildren are; Ethan, Brandy, Taylor. Mel leaves behind his sister, Mrs. Nellie Isaacs, sister-in-law Jayne Forbis and many nieces and nephews and cousins. Mel and Jean lived in Peoria and Joliet, IL in the 1950's and 1960's. Mel was a Director and State Director of the Joliet Jaycees. While he was active, the Joliet Jaycees inoculated all of Will County with the new Sabin Oral Vaccine for Polio. Mel and Jean lived in Downers Grove, IL in Suburban Estates where Mel was President of the Homeowners Association. Mel also served as Cub Master to 96 Cub Scouts in Pack 512 at Goodrich School, the most successful pack in DuPage County. Mel and Jean lived in Lisle, IL from 1970 to 1983. Jean was very active in the schools the children attended. Mel served on the Village of Lisle Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals for 12 years. Mel and Jean moved to Naples, Florida in 1983 and purchased Florida Sub Systems an Electrical and Plumbing Specialty contracting company. After two years Mel sold the plumbing business and changed the company name to Forbis Electrical Contractors. He also created several other businesses in Naples; Forbis Systems Inc, Chicago Leasing and Rental, Custom Store Lighting and Prestige Lighting and Design - a high end lighting Show Room. Mel continued his public service in Naples and served on the Collier County Homeless Commission, Salvation Army and Diabetes Association. Mel was instrumental working with others to create the local Naples chapter of the Diabetes Association. He served 18 years as an Advisory Board member of the Naples Salvation Army during a period of significant growth. As you can see from the above, Mel and Jean had a wonderful life with the blessing of our Lord and Jesus. To all of our wonderful friends over the 51 years we have been married, thank you for being our friends. I now bid one and all Farewell. I will be interred in the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL to be with thousands of others who served this great nation. Mel Forbis. Funeral Services for Melvin Forbis will be Monday, November 26, 2007 at 8:15 a.m. from the funeral home to the Church of St. Anthony for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:15 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 2-6 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, IL For information: (815) 741-5500