IL SR0632

Kelly Albert Grant Jr. of Springfield passed away on February 5, 2026; he was born May 29, 1929, graduated as valedictorian from Springfield High School, and earned a business degree from Northwestern University in 1953 while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Owned and operated Mel-O-Cream Donuts for over 65 years, becoming president in 1953 and taking over the business his father established in 1932; expanded wholesale distribution to supermarkets and convenience stores and opened a new 27-acre facility in 1997.

Honored by the Vietnam Veterans of America National Convention in 2015 for shipping 4,000 to 5,000 dozen doughnuts to servicemen overseas, mostly in Vietnam.

Longtime member of the Rotary Club of Springfield South; survived by his wife Karen, three daughters, seven grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

The Illinois Senate extends condolences to his family and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to them.