Merle LaVerne Hendress 71, Reynolds, died Wednesday, Nov. 19 at St. Elizabeth Medical
Center, Lafayette. He had been in failing health for the last several months.

He was born May is, 1926, to George and Amy Pearl White Hendress, in Sheldon, Ill. He
was married Oct. 3,1953, to Eva Mae Holeman, in Reynolds and she survives

He had lived in the Reynolds community for 44 years.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving as an Army medic.

He had farmed for 47 years and was also a construction worker.

He was a member of the Reynolds Christian Church for  over 40 years. During his years in the church he served as a  trustee, elder, deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, treasurer and was a former chairman of the board.

He was a member of the Chalmers American Legion Post No. 268.

He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Mrs Larry D. (Dianna) Myers Jr. Of Lake Villa, Ill.; Mrs Jim (Sheryl) Willison, Lafayette and Mrs Kenneth (Susan) Hughes, Wolcott; and  four sons, Kevin Merle, Monon;  Dwayne Eugene, Monticello; and Dennis Alan and Eric Scott, both of Reynolds; two brothers, Albertof Wolcott and Wendell of Reynolds; 16 grandchildren and  one great grandson

Two brothers and a sister are deceased.

Funeral services were Saturday at Reynolds Christian Church with Stan Lindsey and Jerry Lilly  officiating.

Miller-Roseka Funeral Home, Monticello, was in charge of the service.

Burial was in the Chalmers Cemetery. Graveside Military rites were conducted by Chalmers American Legion Post No. 268.

Memorials may be given either to the Hendress family or the Reynolds Christian Church.