Kirby, Merle

Merle Kirby, age 78, of Greenview, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

He is survived by a daughter Durinda Kirby of Athens, a son Mike (Lori) of Mason City, one brother William Dean Kirby of Tolono; three grandchildren Landon “Hoss” (wife Jamie) Kirby of Greenview, Natasha (Adam) Bacon of Greenview, Kaylee Kirby of Mason City; two step-grandchildren, Ryan and Jeremy “Tank” Hatfield of Mason City; two great grandchildren Kirby Jo Bacon and Milo Bacon.

He is preceded in death by his wife Jane in 2008, a son Patrick “Fudd” in 2005; four brothers James, John, Eugene, and Donald; brother-in-law Bill Armstrong and sister-in-law Susan Armstrong.

Merle was born June 7, 1935 in Buffalo, IL, son of Arthur and Opal (Duncan) Kirby.

Merle graduated from Tri-City High School in 1953 and attended Blackburn College.

He married Jane Armstrong on April 10, 1955.

Merle was a farmer in the Greenview area for many years and he was employed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency for 25 years.

He was very active in the community and had many memberships. Merle was Chairman of the Menard County Commissioners Board for 19 years. He was also a member of the New Salem Shrine Club, Greenview Masonic Lodge #653, Menard County Farm Bureau, Jesters, and Ancient Accepted Scottish Right 33rd Degree. Merle was a member of the United County Council of Illinois and the Greenview Community Fire Protection District Board.

Merle love taking fishing trips to the cabin in Minnesota. He was loved by many and never knew a stranger.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2014 from 4-8 PM at the United Greenview Church in Greenview with Masonic services at 7:30 PM. Memorial services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at the United Greenview Church in Greenview.

Rev. Stephanie McCullough will be officiating.

Burial will be held Elmwood Cemetery

Memorials can be made to Shiners’ Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL, 33607.

Cremation is being accorded by Mott & Henning Funeral Home, in Athens, IL.