Melvin Lee "Mel" Hult

Melvin Lee "Mel" Hult 1932-2012 Funeral service for Melvin Lee "Mel" Hult, age 79 of Princeton, will be Thursday, Jul 26, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Norberg Memorial Home. Pastor Ken Wilson and Pastor Laura Root will officiate. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery on Jul 26, 2012. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Jul 25, 2012 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Norberg Memorial Home. Mr. Hult passed away on Wednesday, Jul 18, 2012 at Home. He was born on Dec 24, 1932 in Princeton, IL to Arvid and Beulah (Larson) Hult. Melvin married Dianne Rosenquist on June 15, 1957 in Princeton. She died on November 7, 2000. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1952. Where he played football 1948 - 1952 - defense, offense and line backer, never missed a game. He was four years varsity, earned all conference and honorable mention All State team. He also played Basketball and Track for 4 years and baseball 3½ years. Mel attended Illinois Valley Community College for 1 Year and was then drafted into Korean conflict. He served 2 years United States Army (1953 - 1955) stationed in Germany, played football for 18 months and was honorably discharged as corporal in February 1955. Mel owned and operated Princeton Shoe Repair on South Main Street in the late 50's and early 60's. he became a City of Princeton Police Department Patrolman in October 1961 where he worked for 13 years until he was elected Sheriff of Bureau County in November 1974 and served for 9 years as Bureau County Sheriff. He served 13 years with the Princeton Fire Department while he was a Princeton Police Patrolman and discontinued his service when he was elected Sheriff. During his term as Sheriff, for 4 years in a row Bureau County Jail was awarded compliance with the Detention standards and services according to the Illinois Department of Corrections. In 1982 Mel was hired as Chief of Police for the City of Princeton until December 31, 1999 retiring after 38 years in law enforcement. During his lifetime he spent many years working with Princeton youth including Little League baseball coach and President of Little League Baseball. Along with Ken Epperson and Bob Young were the founders of the Princeton Youth Football originally participating in the Peoria league and later gained support from local business organizations, service clubs and private sources to form a Princeton football league. He served as President of the Football Board for many years and continued service with the Princeton Youth Football League. Mel was awarded Jaycees Outstanding Young Man Award and in 1993 was recognized for outstanding contributions to the Drug Abuse Prevention Program. He worked the PHS Football Friday Night “Chain Gang” running the down markers for home games. Along with other members of the community, was part of the first group to paint the Tiger Paws on the streets of Princeton. He was a Bureau County Fair Board Member for 22 years from October 1982 – October 2004. He served as a Director, Assistant Director and retired as the Secretary which he became in 1985. He worked many hours making sure things ran smoothly and that the grounds were in tip top shape. He was very proud of the Bureau County Fairgrounds. Also, he worked with the Bureau County Speedway for many years. He was a member of Princeton Optimist Club for 10 years and served as president for 1 year. The club was the first organization to buy two portable radios for the Princeton Police Dept. in the 1970’s. He was a member of the VFW since he served in the Army. Mel was a current member of the Princeton Elks Club, Illinois and National Police Association, Member of Illinois Sheriffs Association and the American Legion. He was involved with the Salvation Army for 25 years for which he was in charge of the Bureau County area, helping people purchase groceries, gas and medicines. He was also appointed chairman of the Merit Commission of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Department after Greg Johnson was elected Sheriff. This was his way of staying involved with county after becoming Chief. Me l was the recipient of the Princeton Pride Award in 2009. Hult was also an advocate the National Safety Council for Children and received numerous plaques for his work. Mel is survived by his children; Stacey (David) Headley of Princeton and Chad Hult of Wheaton, IL. Also surviving are grandchildren; Alexia Hult and Caleb Headley of Princeton, and Jessica Headley of Portland, Oregon. Surviving as well are numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two sisters Marilyn and Gladys both of Montana, and five brothers Chuck, Don, Dick, Jack and Bob. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS memorials may be directed to family for charitable disbursement.

Melvin Lee "Mel" Hult

December 24, 1932 - July 18, 2012