Melvin Bruce Dilley (75) of St. Elmo

Melvin Bruce Dilley, age 75, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at his home with his family by his side.

Private services for his family will be held at a later date. Pagel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spring Hill Cemetery or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

Melvin was born on December 1, 1949 in St. Elmo, Illinois to Charles Vernon and Rosemary Ann (Carter)Dilley. He married Judy “Janelle” Haslett on February 6, 1967. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending time in the woods and was known for his meticulously stacked wood pile and his famous blackberries. He also enjoyed mushroom hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandkids. If he wasn’t in town lending a helping hand trimming bushes and trees or doing yard work for friends, he could be found maintaining his woods like they were a beautiful park, which he took great pride in. Another point of pride for Bruce was that he went back to school and obtained a degree from Lakeland College in Civil Engineering Technology. He also worked as a dockhand at Yellow Freight for many years.

He is survived by his loving wife Judy “Janelle” (Haslett) Dilley, daughters Janetia Wells, Julie Pryor (Jason) and son Jeremy Dilley (Nicki), as well as grandchildren, Jaide, Jessika, Dylan, Jenna, Reece, Braden, and Kyler, and several great grandchildren with one on the way.