Lake Bluff Obituary: Mel Raglin, 86

Melbern L. Raglin lost his battle with Alzheimer’s Disease on November 11, 2018, Veterans Day, at The Memory Care Unit of The Sheridan at Green Oaks in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Mel was 86.

Mel was born on May 3, 1932 in Pocahontas, Arkansas to parents, James “Bud” and Irene (Groves) Raglin. Mel and his family moved to Marion, Illinois in 1946 where he attended Marion Township High School. He enlisted in the US Army on May 6, 1949 to serve 1st Cavalry Division Infantry in the Korean War. Mel was a Purple Heart recipient, wounded in action on September 20, 1950 and returned to combat after a six week hospital stay in Japan. Corporal Raglin returned home to his family in Marion on August 28, 1952.

Mel’s greatest joy was his family. A loving husband, brother, father, grandpa and uncle. He married his wife Colleen on October 18, 1956, and they raised two children and celebrated sixty years of marriage. Mel worked as a pipeline engineer and foreman, joining the Midwest Operating Engineers Union in 1960 and remained a member for 58 years. He retired from Waterman Engineering in 1995. Post retirement, Mel spent 20 years (1995-2015) working part time at Cog Hill Golf Course, where he developed many friendships and a great short game. Mel won the prestigious Cog Hill all employee tournament in 2002.

In addition to being an avid golfer, Mel became a Medinah Shriner in 1973 and remained an active member and supporter of the Shriners Hospitals for Children until his passing. He was also a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, and a beloved resident at The Sheridan Memory Care community, where he was known for his quick smile and strong handshake.

Mr. Raglin is survived by his wife, Colleen, his children, Steve of Chicago, Illinois and Melanie (Steve) Thornberry of Lake Forest, Illinois, and two grandchildren Ryan and Margo Thornberry. Mel is also survived by his loving sisters Kay Jackson (Donald), and Thresa Johns (Wes), and twenty nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Pat White (Willie) and Shirley Jones (Bill).

The family would like to thank the amazing team that provided loving and compassionate care for Mel during his fifteen month residence at The Sheridan at Green Oaks Memory Care. We were blessed to have you in his life.

Visitation will take place Monday, November 19 from 5-7 p.m. at the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home 900 N Court Street, Marion, IL. Funeral proceedings will be held at Wilson-McReynolds on Tuesday, November 20 at 11 AM with Military Burial to follow at Rosehill Cemetery in Marion. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mr. Raglin’s life.

Top photo: Mel Raglin (Family photo)