Melvin Clyde Lafferty

Melvin C. "Bud" Lafferty began his new journey on Monday, July 8", 2024, after 100+ years of life. He was born on September 27th, 1923, in Green Bay, WI., to Lenora (Daisy) and Clyde Montague Lafferty and grew up in Cedarville, IL. Melvin was proud of his Cheyenne Indian and Irish heritage. His father died (from complication from WW I mustard gas) when Mel was 5, and his mother single-handedly raised him and his 4 siblings during the depression.

Mel achieved his Eagle Scout award from Troop # 1, sponsored by Grace Episcopal Church in Freeport, IL. A graduate of Freeport High School in 1941, he then started work as a ComEd meter reader. Mel enlisted in the U.S. Army in early 1943, and married his love, Jayn Wahler, in June of that year, just before being shipped out to fight in the Pacific in WW II. Mel became a sergeant at age 19 and was wounded in combat at the battle of Morotai on January 3, 1945. He received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal with 2 Bronze Stars (the 4* highest military decoration for Valor), the Philippine Liberation Medal with 1 Bronze Star, the Purple Heart Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He experienced "Shell Shock", which today is known as PTSD.

Mel was the City of Freeport "Dog Catcher", which was a springboard into local and state politics. He worked his way up to the Illinois State School Superintendent's office as the Director of the State School Bus Transportation Program, and ended his time in Springfield as the Assistant Administrator of the Illinois Veterans Commission. Mel returned full time to Freeport where he worked at Highland Community College (HCC) as a Custodian in the Fine Arts Building, until his promotion to Supervisor.

He retired at age 77.

Mel lived a storied life! A track star in high school in the 800 Yard dash, he once beat the State Champ. He was also a basketball and football high school and college referee, umpired Park District Slow Pitch Softball and was a high school baseball umpire for over 50 years - achieving the status of being a "Scout" for the Cleveland Indians in the 1950's and 1960's. He taught Sunday School at Grace Episcopal Church, and played "Santa Claus" at the Library each Christmas for dozens of years. He also coached Special Olympic's basketball. Mel was a Pony League baseball coach for his son's baseball team, and always wore a Uniform - looking a lot like Herman Franks, the Cubs Manager - back in the day! Mel was also an actor on stage in various productions at HCC - quite the cool dude!

Mel married Norma (nee Maves) Erb in December, 1984, and they were Hospice volunteers together, volunteering well into his 80's.

Always engaging, Mel would make everyone feel special and was a mentor to many - especially those students who hung out at the HCC Fine Arts Building. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a story to tell and would always say, "Keep that smile; it increases your Face Value."

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife, Jayn Wahler Lafferty.

Mel is survived by his wife Norma Lafferty, his daughter Becky Lafferty and son Stephen and his wife Susan Lafferty, his "AFS Swedish" son Johan Thuren and his wife Margareta, and Step Children Mark and Cindy Erb, James and Kelly Erb and Kimberly (Erb) and Terry Peck. He is also survived by 4 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren; and 4 Step Grandchildren and 1 Great Grand Child.

Melvin's family also wishes to thank all of the Caregivers of Ascension Living Saint Joseph's Village Nursing Home in Freeport. Their thoughtful, kind and compassionate care are deeply appreciated, and they helped make Melvin feel comfortable, happy and loved during his stay there.

Per Melvin's wishes there will be no services. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial has been established in Melvin's memory for FHN Hospice, Suite 403, 773 West Lincoln Boulevard, Freeport, IL 61032.