Melvin E. “Pete” Mosley, Sr., 78, of Galesburg, passed away at 2:10 p.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at his home, with his wife by his side.
Pete was born July 25, 1941 in Forrest City, AR, the son of Henry Clay and Eurydice (Mack) Mosley, Sr. He married Shirley Ann King on August 9, 1985 in Galesburg. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, and their daughter, Michelle (Tai) Papali’i of Atlanta, GA; his daughter, Carol Mosley of Galesburg; and his son, Melvin (Mary) Mosley, Jr of Elgin; six grandchildren, Shaq, Calvin, and Jasmine Mosley, Kevin Heard, and Talia and Tesema Papali’i; and seven great grandchildren. Pete is also survived by two brothers, Henry (Bertha) Mosley, Jr. of Forrest City, AR and Gene Austin of Louisville, KY; and five sisters, Mahasin (Raymond) Duncan of San Diego, CA, Linda Faye Mosley, Mabel (Nathaniel) Saine, Joyce Richardson, and Eurydice Rochelle(Michael) Norwood all of Little Rock, AR; and many nieces and nephews. Pete was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; and one brother.
Pete, a graduate of Lincoln High School in Forrest City, AR, earned his Associate Degree in Accounting from Carl Sandburg College in 1977. He was a paint foreman at Maytag for 39 years, retiring in 2003. He was a combat engineer/heavy equipment operator in the US Army from 1961 to 1964. Pete was active in the Galesburg community as a mentor for youth at Carver Center, a longtime member of the Galesburg Evening Lion’s Club and the AMVET’s. He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Linkster’s Golf Club. Pete loved to barbeque, cook, and work in his yard. He also enjoyed playing cards, going to the casino, playing slot machines, and going to the horse races. But most of all, Pete enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Cremation will be accorded. A memorial visitation will be held 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. No public funeral service is planned. The family would like to thank the Lane A. Evans VA Clinic, Dr., Carrion and the Bronze Team, Hospice Compassus, and Gordon Behrent’s Senior Center for their caring, comfort, and compassion for both Pete and Shirley during this difficult time. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Wounded Warriors Project. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
