William "Bill" W. Merry

William W. “Bill” Merry, 84, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Friday, January 4, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

He was born October 28, 1934 in West Chicago, IL, the son of Roscoe and Maye H. (Howard) Merry.  Bill was raised and educated in Monmouth and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1953.  He later graduated from Monmouth College in 1961 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Business.

Bill served as a Sargent in the United States Marine Corp from 1954-1962 during the Korean Conflict.

He married Loeta E. Collins on March 24, 1957 in Monmouth, IL.  She preceded him in death on January 8, 2016.

Bill first worked at Hines & McClintock Appliance before owning and operating Merry Appliance in the 70’s & 80’s.  He then worked as a purchasing agent for the maintenance department at Farmland Foods, retiring in 2005.  Bill worked for the Warren County Veterans Assistance for 13 years and part time as an electrician.  He was a member of the Monmouth Masonic Lodge #37 A.F.&A.M., Monmouth American Legion, life time member of the V.F.W, 40/8, lifetime member of the NRA,  member of the Monmouth Jaycees, and longtime member of the Monmouth American Legion & V.F.W. Honor Guard.   Bill enjoyed hunting, riding ATVs, shooting sports, guns, and being outdoors.

Survivors include his daughter, Valarie (Tim) Bentz of Oswego, IL; two grandsons, Jacob Bentz and Joshua Bentz both of Oswego, IL; one sister, Sharon (Tom) Miller of Rhinelander, WI; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother, Roscoe Merry; three sisters, Eunice Estes, Beverly McConnell, and Josephine Holmberg.

Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 12, 2019 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth.  Interment with Military Honors will be in Warren County Memorial Park.  Visitation will be prior to the services from 11:00a.m.-1:00 p.m.  Memorials may be given to Monmouth American Legion & V.F.W. Honor Guard.