Joseph B. Meloan O.D.

Joseph B. Meloan, O.D. age 93, of Highland, IL., died Friday, April 2, 2010, at Faith Care Center/Faith Countryside Homes in Highland, IL. He was born January 11, 1917, in Media, IL., the son of Joseph and Josephine (Block) Meloan. On August 29, 1941, he married Louise E. Meloan, nee Simms , who survives. Joseph Block Meloan was born in Media, IL on January 11, 1917. He received a Doctor of Optometry Degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1938 and opened his optometry practice in Bushnell, IL and practiced there for 52 years; he also had an office in Abingdon, IL. He served in the Army Air Force Medical Group for 37 months at Scott Air Force Base, as an Optometrist, being discharged in 1946. Joseph was a founding Trustee of the Bushnell-Prairie City Fire Protection District from 1951-1966 and past Assistant Fire Chief from 1949-1951. He was a member of the Bushnell Rotary Club; June 19, 1978, he was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award; Rotary Club President from 1952 to 1953. Dr Meloan was voted Optometrist of the Year in 1987 by the IL Optometric Assoc. Elected by 800 of his peers. He was the Editor for the IL Optometric Assoc. Journal, and won \"Best State and Regional Journal\" in the United States for 3 years in a row. He also won \"Best Editoral in the United States\" by the Optometric Editors Assoc. in 1987. He was very active in many community activities along with his Optometry Practice. Joseph and his wife traveled extensively to Hawaii, Switzerland, Ireland, China, Spain, England, and his favorite trip to Kenya. He and his wife moved to Highland in 2002 to be near their daughter and grandchildren. Doc collected Optometric Statuettes, an avid wood worker making clocks, and an avid reader. He and his wife were among the first residents of Faith Countryside Assisted Living. He was a member of United Methodist Church-Bushnell, IL. Survivors include Wife-Louise E. Meloan, nee Simms of Highland, Ill., Daughter-Ann E. (Kent) Linenfelser of Highland, Ill., Grandson-Kyle J. (Heather) Linenfelser of San Diego, Calif., Grandson-Kirk R. (special friend-Melissa Dunn) Linenfelser of Saint Louis, Mo., Great Grandson-Isaac M. Linenfelser He was preceded in death by Father-Joseph F. Meloan M.D., Mother-Josephine M. Meloan nee Block Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill.

Joseph B. Meloan O.D.

January 11, 1917 - April 2, 2010