- Date Of Birth: May 25, 1920
- Date Of Death: July 10, 2010
- State: Illinois
Merle Melvin Morris, 90, of Galesburg, died on Saturday, July 10, 2010, at Rosewood Care Center, Galesburg. Merle was born May 25, 1920, in Berwick, the son of Roy and Lucy Friday Morris.
He married Leona Hedden on June 18, 1940.
She preceded him in death on July 1, 1980. He later married Alice Clegg on December 31, 1982.
Merle is survived by his wife, Alice of Galesburg; 3 sons, John (Linda) of Havana, Robert (Charlene) of Wataga, and Ronald (Cathie) of Knoxville; 3 daughters, Shirley Wilson of Cameron, Annabelle (Clarence) Smith of Havana, and Janice Luster of Easton; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 41 great great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Switzer; a son, Donald Morris; 9 brothers and sisters; 6 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson.
In his younger years, Merle hauled coal in Elmwood. He then worked at the grain elevators in Elmwood and Abingdon. A lifelong farmer, Merle farmed in the area until he retired on March 1, 1982. Merle and Alice enjoyed volunteering. They volunteered for the Scenic Drive in Maquon, the Salvation Army, and the Visually Handicapped Center. He and Alice also enjoyed gardening, camping, riding bikes, and walking together.
