J.W. Merrell

J.W. Merrell, 73, of 23755 Galatia Post Road, Carrier Mills, IL; died Wednesday July 27, 2011 at 4:25 pm at his residence. Funeral services will be held on Saturday July 30, 2011 at 11 am at Felty Funeral Home in Carrier Mills, IL. Visitation will be held Friday from 5 to 8 pm. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant (Poordo) Cemetery and Rev. Deon Baker will officiate. He was born on February 21, 1938 in rural Williamson County, IL to the late James & Fern (Chase) Merrell. He married the former Francis Harness on August 17, 1957 in Peoria, IL. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church; a long time member of the Harrisburg Hunters Club and an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a retired coal miner having spent most of his career at Old Ben Coal and BP Coal Company having been mine manager at both. He was pastor at Bethel Baptist Church, New Salem Baptist Church and Forest Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife: Francis Merrell; 2 daughters: Debra (Steve) McKinnis and Denise Moss both of Pittsburg, IL; 3 grandchildren: Robbin (Robert) Andrews, James McKinnis, and Kathryn Moore; 5 great grandchildren: Jarred Davis, Ashtyn West, Gracelynn Andrews, Julianna Andrews and Zoey Moore; 3 brothers: James Merrell of Bossier, LA; David Merrell of Freeburg, IL and Terry “Rock” Merrell of Carrier Mills, IL; 2 sisters: Janice Behn of West Frankfort, IL and Darla York of Corinith, IL and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. Stepmother: Betty Merrell; Son: Darrell Wayne Merrell and Sister: Jeanette Owen.