Harold W. Forbes, 77 of Melvin, died at 11:35 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2024, at Illinois Veterans Home, Manteno.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the United Methodist Church, Melvin, 129 N. Center Street, Melvin with Rev. Elizabeth Reis officiating.

A private family burial will be held at a later date at the Melvin Cemetery with military honors.  Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Harold was born January 28, 1947, in Paxton the son of Marvin and June Kiser Forbes, Sr.  He married Sharon Thackeray in 1994.  She survives.

Along with his wife, Sharon, he is survived by one daughter, Silvia (Wayne) Rose and two grandchildren, Caleb and McKenzie Rose; three stepsons, Steve (Connie) Arnold of Fisher, Dave (Donna) Arnold of Gibson City, Jeff (Candy) Arnold of Melvin; five step grandchildren; two step great grandchildren and one brother Jeff (Marie) Forbes of Paxton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Harold retired as a self-employed contractor, professional wood refinisher and certified independent flooring installer. He served six years in the United States Army including a tour in Germany during the Viet Nam era.

He was a member of the Melvin United Methodist Church where he served as past trustee, chairman and member of the administrative board and participated with the Christian Men's group.  He was also a member of the Roberts-Melvin Fire Department Board.  Harold served as a Melvin Village Trustee for three years before becoming Mayor and retiring in 2021.

Harold had a great interest in making the Community Hall on Main Street a welcoming and functional civic center for the village and surrounding area.  He was instrumental in helping to establish the monthly food distribution program from the Midwest Food Bank in Bloomington in 2007 and continued his involvement for a number of years.  He also worked with the Sibley Park Committee July fourth funnel cake stand since 2004.

He enjoyed using and solving problems with the computer and other electronics.  He liked westerns, science fiction and action TV shows.  He also enjoyed exercising at the Paxton Community and Wellness Center.  Harold looked forward to touring the village by golf cart with his little dog "Sparky'.

Memorials may be made to the Melvin United Methodist Church or Roberts-Melvin Fire Department.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.