Francis P. Merkley

   Francis (Frank) P. Merkley, 98, went to be with his Lord on Friday, March 15, 2019 while at Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton, Illinois. 

   He was born October 11, 1920, in Depue, IL to Albert and Theresa (Sonnenberg) Merkley.  He married Ireta (Rita) Rowley on March 15, 1947 in the St, Louis Catholic Church Rectory.  They were blessed with two children, Pamela Theresa Merkley and Lon Francis Merkley.

   Frank worked very hard all his life, leaving school at a young age to work with his father in his hauling business – first with horses and wagon and then with trucks.  He next worked for The Princeton Bottling Works, sometimes working inside and often driving a truck to deliver “pop”.

   On November 11, 1942, Frank enlisted in the army, serving as a truck driver.  He was assigned to 3944th Quartermaster trucking company in the Asiatic Theatre and CBI theatre of war.  He drove many types of military vehicles such as 2 ½ ton trucks, semi trailers, and trailers, 10 ton diesel trucks, hauling supplies, equipment and personnel from station to station.  He served 30 months overseas until November 7, 1945.  Frank was very proud to serve his country during WWII.

   Upon returning, he worked again for The Princeton Bottling Works, The Arwell Pest Control Company, and the Orkin Pest Control Company.  In 1978, Frank became owner of Service Enterprises, his own pest control company, which he owned and operated until 2010. (Retiring at the age of 90)  Frank truly enjoyed greeting and talking with his customers each month and became good friends with many of them.  He was often called “ The Bug Man”.  His customer’s dogs loved the treats he brought for them also.

   After retiring, Frank remained very active.  He was busy caring for his lawn and his home, driving to purchase his lottery tickets daily, and, most importantly, visiting the cemetery.  Frank enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and was an avid trapper.  He was a lifelong Cubs and Bears fan and enjoyed good times with his Family.   He lived life fully.

   Frank was a very proud 55 year continuous member of The American Legion – Post 125 and VFW of Princeton, Illinois, joining on March 15, 1964.

   He is survived by his son, Lon (Jane) Merkley ;  grandchildren, Dr. Michelle (Christopher) Oliver, Lance (Tabatha) Merkley, and Jarrod (Elisha) Merkley; great grandchildren, Elana Martinez, Mason Merkley, Carter Merkley, Alexander Oliver, and Porter Merkley.  Also surviving are his brothers-in law and sisters-in-law, Walt and Gladys Rowley and Bill and Silvia Nelson with whom he was very close, and many nephews , nieces, and cousins.

   Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Ireta (Rita) Merkley and his daughter, Pamela Merkley, as well as his parents, Albert and Theresa Merkley.  Also 4 Brothers; Albert (Lula Belle) Merkley, Norman (Elaine) Merkley, Royce (Lila) Merkley, and James Sonny Merkley,   5 Sisters; Helen Allen, Sarah (Robert) Oloffson, Marie (Joe) Matuszewski, Dolores (Charles) Blair, and LaVonne McCollum.;  Also his Mother-in-Law Kathryn Nelson.

   Services will be Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 11:00 AM, with visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 at the Grant-Johnson Funeral Home, Princeton, Illinois.  Interment will follow at the Elm Lawn Memorial Park with military rites conducted by The Princeton American Legion Post 125. 

   Memorial may be directed to The Princeton Veterans Group or the Second Story Youth Group.