Merle Dennis Coffey Sr.

 Merle Dennis Coffey Sr., 85, of rural Carman, Illinois passed away peacefully at 3:18 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019, surrounded by his family.  He was born December 19, 1933 in Middletown, Illinois, the son of James and Ida Noon Coffey. On January 18, 1958 he married the love of his life, Doris Hill,  in Peoria, Illinois. 
Mr. Coffey lived for many years in Peoria, moving to Carman in 1973. He served as PVT 1 in the United States Army and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was employed for over 40 years for the Operating Engineers Local #649, Peoria, Illinois.
Merle was devoted to his family and his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. He loved spending time with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Merle and his wife loved to go roller skating together. He was and avid deer hunter, and especially loved hunting with his son and brothers-in-law. Merle had a love for music; he sang in a band, played the guitar and organ, and watched every western show and every St. Louis Cardinals baseball game. After retirement he enjoyed traveling to Texas with his loving wife. He was a member of the Carman United Methodist Church and the Brimfield Illnois American Legion.  Survivors include his wife, Doris, three children, Merle (Susan) Coffey Jr. of Carman, Debra (Rick) Dowell of Ft. Madison, Iowa, Cathy Coffey of Burlington, Iowa, seven grandchildren, Christy (Grant) Marshall and Malinda Carpenter both of Ft. Madison, Michael Coffey of Burlington, Kayla (Dan) Crum of Stronghurst, Ashley (Ben) Schmitt of West Point, Iowa, Jordan Hutchinson and Dalton Coffey both of Carman, and nine great-grandchildren, Jacob, Dalaney, Jennifer, Jackson, Mason, Gracie, Emma, Rowan and Eleanor.  He was preceded in death by his parents; twin sons: Jim and John Coffey, three brothers, Paul, Duane and Jim Coffey,  and one sister, Delores Cusac.
A Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2019 at the Carman United Methodist Church with Pastor Lisa Unger officiating. Military Rites will be conducted following the service. A memorial fund has been established for the Carman United Methodist Church of the Parkinson’s Foundation. Please visit Merle’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to sign the guestbook and leave a condolence.