- Date Of Birth: June 19, 1924
- Date Of Death: March 22, 2014
- State: Illinois
Norman L. “Pee Wee” Merriman, 89, of Virginia, IL died Saturday, March 22, 2014 at his home.
He was born June 19, 1924 in White Hall, the son of Harvey and Lena Cloford Merriman. He married Joan I. Severns on January 26, 1946 in Beardstown and she preceded him in death on October 31, 2001.
He is survived by a daughter, Judy Gilbert (husband, Ron) of Jacksonville; six sons, Tom Merriman (wife, Sue Ann) of Chandler, AZ, Bert Merriman (wife, Tammy) of Mesa, AZ, Bill Merriman (wife, Kim) of Virginia, Jim Merriman of Virginia, Rob Merriman of Virginia, and Chris Merriman of Virginia; several grandchildren; several great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; a sister, Virginia Strode of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Michael Merriman and Larry Merriman (surviving wife, Joyce of Virginia); a sister, Margaret Wester; and four brothers, Everett Merriman, Bert Merriman, Harvey Merriman Jr., and Francis “Smoky” Merriman (surviving wife, Rose of Springfield).
Pee Wee had a varied career from delivering milk for a local dairy, working for Bierbaum Packing Plant in Virginia and the Havana Power Plant, and driving a school bus for Virginia schools.
In addition, he marketed many products including fruit, pecans, shrimp having transporting them back to the Cass County area. He formerly owned and operated numerous business ventures in the area including skating rinks, pool halls, restaurants, slot car tracks, and car washes.
Pee Wee had a special love for his children and others. Many of his business ventures were designed to provide an avenue for entertaining children from his community.
