George R. MERRIAM

MERRIAM, STEVENS, SWEET, JACOBS, LONG

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/6/2010 at 00:09:21

Peoria Journal Star, Peoria, Illinois
May 20, 1996

December 3, 1926 --- May 18, 1996

CHILLICOTHE, IL -- George R. Merriam, 69, of 1128 W. Evergreen Drive died at 11:55 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 1996, at his residence. Born Dec. 3, 1926, in Corwith, Iowa, to William Henry and Mettie Stevens Merriam, he married Shirley Jean Sweet on Sept. 3, 1950, in Mason City, Iowa. She survives. Also surviving are one son, Gary of Jacksonville, Fla.; one daughter, Bene' Jacobs of Columbia, S.C.; one sister, Doris Long of Wyoming; and four grandchildren. One brother and one sister preceded him in death.

Working in the banking industry for 45 years, he owned and operated Chillicothe State Bank for 16 years, retiring April 3, 1995. A World War II Navy veteran, stationed in Rhode Island, he was a member of American Legion Post 9 and Chillicothe Lions Club. He also was a member of Chillicothe Optimist Club; Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce, where he served as past president and director; Chillicothe Development Corp. and Police Pension Board. He was a charter member of Pearce Community Center. He was past master and past patron of Chillicothe Order of Eastern Star. He was a past president of the United Way. He also was a 4-H leader for 12 years.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Weber Funeral Home. The Rev. Edward Dutton will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Masonic services at 8 p.m. Burial will be in Chillicothe City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Rescue 33 or to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4999 or to American Legion Post 9.