- Date Of Birth: June 7, 1922
- Date Of Death: July 3, 2020
- State: Illinois
Merle J. Gascoyne, 98, of LaSalle, formerly of Peru, passed July 3, 2020 at Illinois Valley Community Hospital, Peru. He had resided at the Illinois Veterans Home, LaSalle for the last five years. Mr. Gascoyne was born June 7, 1922 in LaSalle to Thomas and Elizabeth (Gaull) Gascoyne. He married Mildred “Millie” Flowers on November 14, 1943 and enjoyed 68 years of marriage together.
Merle served in the Army Air Force during WWII. He owned and operated several gas stations in the area and retired as a mechanic at Vogel-Cheesman Chevrolet, LaSalle. He was a member of St. Valentine’s Church, Peru, Commander of the Peru VFW, Peru Veterans Memorial Group, Oglesby American Legion and LaSalle Catholic War Veterans. Merle was an avid woodworker.He is survived by his two daughters, Joanie (Chuck) George and Nancy (Louie) Barroso both of Peru; 8 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one grandson, Bradyn Barroso; and nine brothers and sisters.
