Melinda “Mel” Tournear, age 62, of Liberty, IL, died on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in Blessing Hospital. She was born on May 2, 1964, in Evansville, IN, the daughter of Theodore and Shirley (Rice) Platt. She married Ricky Tournear on June 29, 1980, in Parkview Church.

Melinda was a 22-year employee of One Stop in Liberty, where she spent many years becoming more than just an employee. She formed close bonds with so many of the customers who stopped in, and over the years, many of them became dear friends. She truly loved the people she met and the relationships she built there. More than anything, Melinda loved spending time with her family. She treasured every moment with her children, grandchildren, great grandchild and her numerous nieces and nephews. To them, she was “Aunt Linny,” a name that held so much love and meaning. She was especially proud to carry the title her grandson gave her as being a “bad*** grandma,” a title she wore with great pride.

Melinda loved fishing, gardening, and mushroom hunting. She was also known for her great love of garage sales and could never resist a good bargain while thrifting. Melinda loved crafting, painting, coloring, a good iced mocha latte, most of all she loved giving her husband Ricky hell. Melinda cherished her family and the life she shared with them. She had a special way of making people feel loved, and she will be remembered for her big heart, her strong personality, her great sense of humor, and the countless memories she created with the people around her.

In addition to her husband, Melinda is also survived by:
CHILDREN: Beth Lochbaum (Jeff); Brandy Slater (Stacey); and Brittani Tournear. GRANDCHILDREN: Jazmine (Zakk Whittaker); Jessi; Logan; Livia; Landen; Brighten; Nolan; and Demari. GREAT GRANDCHILD: Everlyn SIBLINGS: Lee Platt (Sheila) and Tina Haley (Jon Waack)

Numerous other relatives also survive.

Melinda was preceded in death by her parents; a son Jesse Tournear; sisters Vickie Platt and Theresa Hocking; and a niece Missy Platt.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Memorials may be made to Duker & Haugh Funeral Home or the family to help with expenses. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.