Melvin Charles Wempen Jr.,78, of Raymond, IL, passed away on April 16, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield, IL. He was born on December 19, 1947, in Litchfield, IL, to Melvin Charles and Shirley Ilene (Jones) Wempen. On August 23, 1975, he married MaDonna Sue Schwabe, and they spent 50 years together before his passing.

Melvin graduated from Morrisonville High School in 1965. He continued his education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree from SIUC in 1973, with a brief pause in his college coursework for several years of service in the US Navy. In addition to working as a sales representative for Pioneer Hybrid Seeds, he was a certified crop advisor. Melvin farmed all his life and was increasingly successful. He enjoyed traveling and was able to enjoy many trips with MaDonna and the family. Some of his favorite places were Europe, Belgium, Switzerland, Hawaii, and the farm trip to Brazil. 

Aside from his career, Melvin was very active in his community. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge #681, a member of the Zanesville Township Board, member of Ansar Shrine, member of the Scottish Rite, a member of Triple Star Post #299, as well as President of Raymond Ambulance Service. He was active in the Raymond Methodist church and later the Community of Faith.  He loved spending time with friends, family, and especially his grandchildren.

Surviving is his wife, MaDonna Wempen of Raymond, IL. Daughter Meta (Rob) Reedy of Chatham, IL and their daughter, Taliya.  Daughter Merideth (Cory) Forrest of Mt. Olive, IL and their children Alexandria Knodel, Aiden Knodel, Addison Knodel, Austin Newingham, and Levi Forrest.  He has one great-grandchild, Kinsley Knodel, daughter of Aiden.  He is also survived by his mother Shirley Wempen and sister Connie (Jim) Young of New Windsor, IL. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Wempen Sr., his brother, Kurt Wempen, and his sister, Karen Wayne. 

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Community of Faith Church in Raymond, IL. A funeral service will take place the following day, Monday, April 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Community of Faith Church. Interment will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery.