Melvin Schnake, age 93, of Carrollton, GA died peacefully at home on August 15th, 2016. He was born October 31st, 1922 in Washington County, Illinois, son of the late Arthur E. and Katie (Whittenburg) Schnake. He married Betty Spears on March 4th, 1948 in Hoylton, IL, and she survives him in Carrollton, GA. In addition to his wife of 68 years, Mr. Schnake is survived by a son, Mark Schnake (Shar) of Mexico, MO and a daughter, Nancy Tunnell, of Carrollton GA; 4 grandchildren, Jason Schnake (Alison) of Naperville, IL, Patrick Schnake (Michelle) of Columbia, MO, Wesley Neece (Rebecca) of Sandy Springs, GA, and Katie Neece Louviere (David), of Dunwoody, GA; 9 great grandchildren; one brother, Lester (Shirley) Schnake of Leonardtown, MD; and many nieces and nephews. He served in the Naval Air Corps from 1942-1945, was graduated from the V-5 Naval Aviator Program, and flew Torpedo Bombers (TBM). Mr. Schnake was graduated from the University of Illinois in 1948 with a degree in Dairy Technology. He was employed by Producers Dairy in Springfield, IL in 1948 and served as Plant Superintendent, Assistant Manager, and was the Plant Manager when Producers Dairy merged with Prairie Farms of Southern Illinois in 1960. He served Prairie Farms well in managing operations in Danville, IL, Springfield, IL, Pana, IL, and the joint venture of Ideal American Dairy in Evansville, IN. Following retirement in 1991, he consulted with Prairie Farms through 2000. All told, Mr. Schnake worked 53 years in the Dairy business. All of his life, Mr. Schnake has been a member of the United Methodist Church, and served in leadership roles for churches in Springfield, IL, Danville, IL, and Pana, IL. He enjoyed his retirement years at Carrollton First United Methodist Church. Additionally, Mr. Schnake served on the Pana Community Hospital Board of Directors, Pana Country Club Board of Directors, and was active with Beyers Lake Estates in Pana, IL, where Melvin and Betty enjoyed 18 wonderful retirement years before moving to Carrollton, GA to be near their daughter, Nancy. Melvin had a passion for golf, and one of his most memorable days was celebrating his 90th birthday playing golf with all four of his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Jack Tunnell; brothers, Howard Schnake and Richard Schnake; sister, Madeline Wayham; nephew David Schnake; and niece, Vickie Schnake Niederhofer. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Richview Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 22, Richview, IL 62877, or the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Carrollton First United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Larry Patton and Rev. Ken Stephens officiating. American Legion Post# 143 will be providing military honors. Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com. Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.