Merle M. Morris

Merle Melvin Morris, 90, of Galesburg, died at 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.  Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Colonial Baptist Church with Pastor Darrell Grimm officiating.  Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Prairie City Cemetery, Prairie City.  Memorials may be made to Colonial Baptist Church.