D. Mesnard

D. Dean Mesnard, Sr., 90, of Decatur, IL, died Thursday, March 27, 2014, at Hickory Point Christian Village, Forsyth, IL. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 12, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, with visitation 5 to 6 p.m., Friday, April 11, with Masonic services conducted at 6 p.m., at the funeral home, and additional visitation from 10 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta, IL, with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Dean & Grace Mesnard Scholarship Fund at Millikin University. Dean was born April 4, 1923 in Decatur, IL, the son of Harvey and Hazel (Painter) Mesnard. He married Grace Hannah Nelson on November 18, 1945. She preceded him in death on December 3, 2011. Dean received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Millikin University. He received his CLU-CHFC from American College and worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company from 1950 - 1984, retiring, Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company from 1984 - 1994, retiring, Wolverton Insurance Agency from 1994-2004, retiring. He also taught business classes as a guest lecturer at Millikin University, Purdue University, and University of Illinois. Dean was a member of Stephen Decatur Masonic Lodge since 1946, Scottish Rite 32nd Degree, Ansar Shrine, Kiwanis Club, Millikin Loyalty Award, past Vice President and President of Met Life Millionare, Charter Member of Met Life Hall of Fame, Life Member of American Legion, Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and was a leading sales agent for Met Life for North America seven times. He was listed in Whos Who in Midwest Finance and in the World. Dean was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran and served in WWII from March 1943 - November 1945, served as Navigator on B-29 "Empire Express", 1st B-29 to complete 35 missions over Japan. He was awarded Presidential Unit Citation, Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Pacific Campaign Medal with Five Battle Stars. He is survived by his children Linda Phegley (Denny) of Carmel, IN, Dean Mesnard, Jr. (Debbie), of Forsyth, IL, Kathy Evans (Gary) of Virginia Beach, VA, Karen Mesnard of Chesapeake, VA; Ten grandchildren and Six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother. The family would like to thank the CNA's, nurses, and dining room staff at Primrose Retirement Community and the staff at Hickory Point Christian Village for their wonderful care of our father. "
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