Merlin Steele

MERLIN G. STEELE, 66, of Evansville, Illinois, passed away at 5:02 pm, Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Red Bud Regional Care Center, Red Bud, Illinois.

He was born to the late Edward and Doris (nee Hacker) Steele on March 16, 1956 in Red Bud, Illinois.

Merlin grew up on a small dairy farm west of Marissa. He attended Marissa schools and after school he worked for Marissa Township for over 46 dedicated years. Merlin was also a member of Operators Local #520.

He enjoyed working with metal and was a novice blacksmith. In his earlier years, he did a lot of trapshooting with his buddies and enjoyed riding his motorcycle and with the Randolph County Riders Group. Merlin was known to do a lot of wood cutting on big trees with a big chainsaw.

Survivors:

Significant Other:

Linda Gann Marissa, IL

Step Children:

Trista (Jacob) Emke Damiensville, IL

Chris (Dana) Gann Hecker, IL

2 Siblings:

Janice (Norman) Smith Walsh, IL

Curtis “Critter” (Gretchen) Steele Coulterville, IL

5 Step Grandchildren:

Lillian, Lucas, Kenzie, Colt and Rhett

1 Niece:

Lisa (Jeff) Lake Ellis Grove, IL

1 Nephew:

Perry (Linda) Smith Snowflake, AZ

1 Great Niece:

Bobbie Lake (Ryan LeForge) Sparta, IL

2 Great Nephews:

Blaise Lake Ellis Grove, IL

Jackson “JD” Smith Flagstaff, AZ

1 Great-Great Niece:

Ella Mae LeForge Sparta, IL

1 Aunt:

Marilyn German Tucson, AZ

Many Cousins and Friends

Preceded in Death by : Parents and 1 Step Son – Jason Gann

It was Merlin’s wish to be cremated. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday March 18, 2023 at Marissa Township Cemetery with a Celebration of Life to follow at Marissa Township Hall.