Merle J West

Born June 9, 1927 in Audubon Township, Montgomery County to Bert and Ada (Johnson) West, he married Joann Marie Michaelson on February 18, 1951 in Pekin.  She died September 14, 2000 in Pekin.  He was also preceded in death by one infant son, Daniel West; one sister, Ethel Bland; and six brothers, Orville, Mark, Floyd, Ray, Max, and Charles West.

Surviving are one daughter, Sue (Jerry) Varnes Herrin of Glasford; one son, Dennis (Cheryl) West of Glasford; six grandchildren, Keri Gillenwater of Pekin, Shannon (Bill) Hawkshaw of Springfield, Lindsay (Doug) Pinter and Kristin (Justin) Roberts, both of Mapleton, Zachary (Nissrin) Varnes of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and David (Erica) West of Farmington; and twelve great-grandchildren.  He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Jeter.

He was a United States Navy veteran of World War II.

Merle worked at American Distilling Company in Pekin for 27 years.  He later worked in the maintenance department at Pekin Community High School for 10 years.

He was a member of the Tremont American Legion Post #1236 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1869 in Pekin.

He was a fast-pitch softball catcher for 26 years, playing from 1942 to 1968.  His lifetime batting average was .278.  He played in 14 state tournaments and was chosen for four state all star teams.  He was elected president of the Greater Pekin Softball League for six years and also managed Hymbaugh Motors softball team for six years.  He had played for the Caterpillar Diesels.  He was inducted into the Illinois Softball Association Hall of Fame on May 25, 1985.

Merle enjoyed hunting, fishing, and always had a large vegetable garden.  He was a New York Yankees baseball fan.  His greatest joy was his many grandchildren.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Illinois Branch of the Lupus Foundation of Illinois, P.O. Box 791, Pekin, Illinois 61555.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com