Merle E. Belsley

METAMORA?Merle E. Belsley, 88, Metamora, passed away at his home Sunday afternoon, May 4, 2014. Merle was born on March 7, 1926 in Metamora to David and Mary (Martin) Belsley. He married Mary Graves in Peoria on August 25, 1951. Mary died on March 12, 2002 in Eureka. Among those surviving are two daughters, Barbara (Randy) Weber of Kickapoo and Joy Belsley of Metamora; three grandchildren, Jon (Shiela) Sander, Tom (Jeni) Sander and Tara (Jeff) Binder; eight great grandchildren, David, Cheyenne, Shane, Tommy, Dakota, Chloe, Kyle and Jayla and one sister, Dorothy Ginzel of Eureka. He was also preceded in death by two sisters. Merle was a lifelong farmer in the Metamora area. He enjoyed farming, the only thing that he loved more was his time with his family. He was an avid Cubs fan, Merle enjoyed his garden and growing roses and his regular trips to Didley?s for coffee with friends. Funeral services for Merle will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Mason Funeral Home, Metamora Chapel with his grandson, Pastor Jon Sander officiating. Burial will follow in the Roanoke Apostolic Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and a half hour prior to services on Thursday. Memorials may be directed to Emergency 116.