Merle V. Williams

Farmington – Merle V. Williams, 83, of Farmington, passed away at 11:35 PM on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at Heartland Health Care in Canton. He was born on June 7, 1934 in Canton to George and Opal (Haacke) Williams. He married the love of his life, Linda Jolet, on February 23, 1958 at South Park United Methodist Church in Canton, she survives.

Also surviving are three children, Mitch (Kathi) Williams of Canton, Lesa Taylor of Canton, and Tracy (Bill) Link of Canton; two grandchildren, Joe Taylor and Levi Lee; and several nieces and nephews.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gordon Williams.

Merle managed and operated Canton Mattress Company and also worked for many years in the automotive industry, from which he retired, last working at Coleman Pontiac-Buick-GMC. For several years, he participated in auto racing.  Later, he designed and created artistic dream catchers, was an amateur herbologist, and was a brown belt in Judo. Merle loved biking and long-distance running, and competed in marathons and in running events at the National Senior Olympics. He loved animals, especially dogs. He attended Farmington Bible Church.

Memorial service will be held at 2:30 PM on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Farmington Bible Church, where the family will be accepting friends and family from 1:30-2:30 PM. Rev. Anthony Severine will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded with Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, IL. Memorials can be made to Farmington Bible Church. To make online condolences you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com