Obituary

Name: Merl Walter DeVries Age: 79 Address: New Douglas, IL
Died: Thursday, August 6, 2015, 8:30 am Place: Community Memorial Hospital, Staunton, IL
Born: February 11, 1936 Place: New Douglas, IL
Father: the late: Walter DeVries Mother: the late: Matilda Trauernicht
Spouse: His first marriage was to Eleanor Jane Desgranges , on June 22, 1956 in the 1st United Methodist Church, Mt. Olive, Illinois, they later divorced. She died on January 9, 2015. He married Sharon Lee Frailey Garner October 22, 1981 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, New Douglas, IL
Schooling: He attended Davis Grade School a one room school in New Douglas, Illinois and Mt. Olive High School,
Military Assignment: Enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1958 serving 2 years in Germany until he was discharged 1960.
Occupation: A Life long farmer,
Organizations: a former member of the AMVETS # 55, Mt.Olive, IL. & member of the Montgomery County Farm Bureau
Interests: Avid Cardinal Fan and football fan. Enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, and country dancing. Loved to read and spend time with his family.

Survivors: Wife: Sharon Lee DeVries, New Douglas, IL. // 5 Sons, Keith (Lisa) DeVries of Staunton, IL // Kenny (Liz) DeVries of Castroville, TX // Kevin (Sondra) DeVries of New Douglas, IL // Daniel Garner, Santa Barbara, CA // David (Denise)Garner of New Douglas, IL // 3 Daughters, Susan (Paul) DeVries of Mt. Olive, IL // Sallie Navaro of Mascoutah, IL and Shelly (Ron) Perkins of Centralia, IL // 1 Brother, Wallace (Leta) DeVries of New Douglas, IL // 16 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren.
Preceded in Death: Parents, Walter & Matilda Trauernicht DeVries
Visitation: Sunday, August 9, 2015, 6 pm - 8 pm Becker & Son Funeral Home, Mt. Olive, IL
Funeral Service: Monday, August 10, 2015, 11 am Becker & Son Funeral Home, Mt. Olive, IL
Clergy: Reverend Gary Frailey
Burial: Staunton City Cemetery, Staunton, IL
Music: Pianist & Soloist, Ernie Thomack will sing "Here I Am Lord", "How Great Thou Art", & "Just A Closer Walk With Thee", at the service, and "Amazing Grace" at the graveside. Gordon Frailey will play "Amazing Grace" on his Trumpet at the visitation.
Military Rites: The flag will be folded by Ron Hubert & Lavern Rosenthal and presented to his wife, Sharon by Ron Hubert. Ray Slapak, Irv Anderson, & Richard Willows served as Honor Guard, Ernie Thomack sang "God Bless America" and played "Taps".
Pallbearers: Grandsons: Nathan // Julian // Esteven // Jacob // Chad // Nick // Zack // & Kyle // Nephews: Dennis & Cory.
Lunch: For family and friends will follow at the Zion Fellowship Hall in Mt. Olive served by the Zion ladies.
Memorials: Mt. Olive Park Board // Mt. Olive Academic Foundation.
Condolences: Online at www.beckerandson.com