Mearl Justus Obituary

Mearl Justus, 81, of Belleville, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012.

Published by Belleville News-Democrat on Dec. 19, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Mearl Justus

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95 Entries

It has been almost a full year since we lost our stepfather. We miss him so much. He and our mother(Audrey)were there for us and raised us to be the honest and the loving people that we are. There are so many memories of love and compassion that he had shown to my children and his grand children (Erin, Lauren and Matthew)We miss him so much but know that he is in such a better place with God and all of his friends that have passed. We remember them all and how wonderful they treated me as a child growing up in Cahokia. Today would have been his 82nd birthday. On Thanksgiving...How appropriate. We love and Miss you Mearl...Happy Birthday. You will always be in our hearts, thoughts and memories! Love, Debra,Kay,Erin(and Brian) Lauren(and Jordan and his great-grandson Journey)and Matthew. xoxo

Debra Towler-Gryzmala-McNeely

November 28, 2013

Even us law enforcement officers here in Seattle (formerly of Cahokia) want to thank you for all you have done..You will be missed but never forgotten!! Det M. Santiago SPD

May 2, 2013

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Judy James

March 18, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Judy James

March 5, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of need. May God bless you and give you the strength you need to carry on. Know that God has received a wonderful "Angel" to watch over us all. Rest in Peace Mearl.

Mike and Lori Schutzenhofer

December 27, 2012

Sheriff, Thank you for your friendship. I'll see you on the other side for breakfast...and I'll have a joke for you.

Polly

December 25, 2012

Audrey and family, So sorry for your loss. Our sincere sympathy.

The Deatherage Family

December 24, 2012

Mearl was a wonderful man...it was an honor to work under him..I was an Emt in the infirmary....and i will never forget you....

Kris Gass

December 24, 2012

My heartfelt sympathy to Audrey and family. Sheriff Justus was one-of-a-kind. He always saw the big picture and made things happen. I learned a great deal working with him in Cahokia and at the Sheriff's Department. Working close with him, I discovered that his heart was much bigger than his voice. As a politician, he was a generous philanthropist always helping the helpless and those in need. An extraordinary man, husband and friend. It was an honor to call him friend.

Jimmy Lowery

December 22, 2012

A good law enforcement buddy as well as a
friend. Many good memories, fun times as
serious endeavors. Rest well. God Bless.

George & Shirley Graves

December 22, 2012

Audrey and family . . . On behalf of my fellow Commissioners, please accept our deepest sympathy. Mearl will be truly missed by all.

Board of Fire & Police Commissioners
City of Edwardsville, Illinois

Roger L. Huber

December 21, 2012

Good Bye old friend, rest in peace.
Family of John Grabak

December 21, 2012

Our thoughts are with the Justus Family at this sad time.

Bob & Billie Phillips

December 21, 2012

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. SHERIFF JUSTUS WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. HE WAS A LEGEND HERE IN ST.CLAIR COUNTY AND HE WILL CONTINUE TO BE A LEGEND. SHERIFF JUSTUS THANK YOU FOR THE YOUR SERVICES YOU DID FOR EVERYONE AND YOUR COUNTRY. R.I.P. SHERIFF, YOUR WORK HERE ON EARTH IS DONE BUT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Judy DeRossett

December 21, 2012

My deepest sympathy to Mearl's family. He was a good friend of my father's and a household name. May God hold you in His arms during this difficult time.

Jill Upchurch Lively

December 21, 2012

Dear Audrey,
My deepest sympathy to you and your entire family. He was a very nice person and will be remembered by many.

Jeanette Miles

December 21, 2012

Deepest sympathy

Glenn and Melissa Haas

December 21, 2012

Words cannot express how Larry and I feel about Merle's passing and your loss, Audrey. I am putting both of you in my daily prayers.

Sue Parsons

December 21, 2012

R.I.P Mearl job well done.

Wanda

December 21, 2012

Audrey and family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. There are no words to make things any easier, but my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Again I am so very sorry!

Courtney Leezy

December 21, 2012

Deepest Condolences

Jennifer The office of Dr Wool

December 21, 2012

Sheriff, you were such a great mentor and wonderful man. Thank you for everything that you have done for me. I will continue to work hard. You will be greatly missed by us all at SCCSD.

Leslie Rivera

December 20, 2012

To the Justus family,
I didnt know Mr. Justus, But my Mother's side of my family did. My great-grandfather, Ray Henzell Grew up with Mr. Justus. My grandmother told me he was a FANTASTIC Person. My sympathy to his family and friends. My grandfather Ray Henzell owned his own auto sales buissness in Belleville IL in the mid 1960's. My family sends our prayers. My grandmother is going to tell me more about Mr. Justus when I see her. My grandfather is a retired Policeman also. Our sympathy is with your entire Family at this time. Kay you are especially in my prayers.
Love The Henzell Family
Elaine and Jack Dinges, and Derek McIntyre

Derek Ray

December 20, 2012

Kay sorry for your loss. Barb and I know you have a strong family. His legacy will always be remembered in this county. Wish you well.

Frederick Bownes

December 20, 2012

Audrey and family:Please accept my sincere sorrow on Mearl's passing.

Art Rhein

December 20, 2012

Sheriff Justus you will be greatly missed
and I do not know how anyone can fill your shoes. God Bless. Icy Witkus

December 20, 2012

Was very sorry to hear of your loss.

Rachel Jeremias

December 20, 2012

You are in our thoughts as you find your way though this.
We are praying for your healing, with the passage of time.
We know you miss him, we send our understanding
and consolation. Know that the strain, the pain,
will eventually ease. May your pleasant memories
sustain and comfort you. You are in our thoughts.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Jim & Peggy Wickman

Jim & Peggy Wickman

December 20, 2012

Audrey, We are so sorry for your loss and a loss to all of us. Mearl was a great friend of our family for as long as I can remember and will be missed by all.
May God comfort you and Bless you.

Ed & Ruby Viner

December 20, 2012

Kay, Sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Pat

Ken & Pat Coverdell

December 20, 2012

I remember being a young court clerk going down to Cahokia court. After court my car would not start and I could not get back to the courthouse, Mr. Justus came out and had one of his guys fix my car and so that I could get back to the courthouse safetly. I will never forget his kindness. To the Justus family I send my prayers. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with us.

Barbara Widel

December 20, 2012

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Wiliam Marshall

December 20, 2012

Thanks Mearl for your years of service and friendship. You were terrific to everyone and very kind to our Dad. We so appreciated that. God rest you.
Fondly, Sheila O'Brien

Sheila O'Brien

December 20, 2012

Mearl was a friend to all officer and a good man. Everyone will miss him. Sympathies to the whole family. Tom O'Brien

Tommy O'Brien

December 20, 2012

Thank you for your years of service to Cahokia and St. Clair County. You will truly be missed.

Lisa Schumacher

December 20, 2012

I will miss you my buddy..you have pulled some good pranks on me up at
Charlie's thru the years and i with you it will never be the same at your table without you. When my time comes I will be up there making your breakfast as always...R.I.P....my deepest sympathy to you Audrey he was one great guy.

Susie Burton

December 20, 2012

My condolences to you Audrey & your family.He was the best,that came from Cahokia.He was a great friend to me & my family. My Prayers are with you.He will be greatly missed.God Bless

Linda Morgan

December 20, 2012

My prayers are with the Justus family I know it will be hard Cause of Christmas I know how u feel I Loss my mom in November

Charles Cassady

December 20, 2012

to the family of mearl justus a great law man give the county a geat job mearl your job is done RIP

cedric hicks

December 20, 2012

Mearl was always sensitive to the spiritual needs of all prisoners at the St. Clair County Jail, and he made our chaplains' work valued and appreciated. May God now reward him.

Rev. Christian N. Reuter, O.F.M.
Prison Ministry Coordinator
Catholic Diocese of Belleville

Christian Reuter

December 20, 2012

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Robert Holmes

December 20, 2012

My condolence to the family of Sheriff Justus. Enjoyed working with him very much. Sheriff Justus you will be missed but never forgotten. RIP

Nurse White

December 19, 2012

Very sad to see this. What a great man. Thank you Sheriff Justus and the entire Justus family for all of your sacrifice over the last sixty years. Rest in Peace Sheriff

Becky H

December 19, 2012

Condolences to the Justus family. Mr. Justus was a fine unique man. He served St. Clair County for so many years, things just won't be the same without him. He was a kind & gentle man & loved to see him at the bowling alley were he frequently ate. RIP sir. You will be missed.

MCC

December 19, 2012

Mearle You were a great friend to my dad Rich Dudley you will be truly missed in many ways. Audrey our family sends prayers to you and your family in this sorrow time Just know Mearle is with our King of Kings and may he R.I.P.

Dudley Family

December 19, 2012

Mearl you were a very special man and a good friend to my father,you will be truly missed in many ways.Audry our family sends prayers to your family for comfort during this time and just remember he is with the King of all Kings and may Mearl R.I.P.

Mary Ellen Dudley/Davis

December 19, 2012

Dad always said you would stay Sheriff until God dragged you away. I have so many wonderful memories of you and Audrey. I thank you for giving my dad the opportunity to follow in your footsteps as Chief in Cahokia. I thank you for giving so much of yourself to the community, and I thank you for being such a good friend to my dad. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

Angela Odem-Palmier

December 19, 2012

Heather and Jewel Hopfinger

December 19, 2012

Mearl will be missed by all those that new him, both in Cahokia and St. Clair County. He was a very fair man and a good friend to all. He is up there in heaven with my father in law Conel Rogers and my dad Bill Jeremias remembering all the goodtimes. God rest your soul Mearl and our prayers go out to your family.

Conel and Dawn (Jeremias) Rogers, Jr.

December 19, 2012

I enjoyed knowing you, Mr. Justus! - running into you at the YMCA pool and in the bowling alley restaurant. I moved to St. Louis about 5 years ago and still think of how special you were.

susan

December 19, 2012

You carried yourself straight and tall with a smile under your mustache. I'll miss you Friend. Kris Taylor

December 19, 2012

your service was so greatly appreciated. in the time i knew you some years ago you trated me as a friend as if you had always known me. you will be missed

daniel boone

December 19, 2012

Our Condolences to the Family of Sheriff
Mearl Justus. It was a pleasure to have
known him and have the pleasure of his association over the years. He will be missed as a fixture in St Clair County.
He has chosen a good man as his replacement. May God Bless Everyone at this time of Sorrow.

Charles & Sarah Lee
Mascoutah, IL

December 19, 2012

Kay,
I am very sorry for your loss.

Tom Spain

December 19, 2012

R.I.P. Mearl, we'll miss you at Charlie's. My heart goes out to your family and friends. I am a IL. Patriot Guard Rider.

Larry Harris

December 19, 2012

Mr Mearl Justus was indeed a wonderful man and great sheriff. We have known him for at least 40 years and enjoyed every one of them. Since he was chief of police in Cahokia to his position as Sheriff of St Clair County. RIP my friend!!

David and Mary Settlemoir

December 19, 2012

god bless this man he was a friend to every one.

stonewall jackson.

December 19, 2012

R.I.P Mr. Mearl Justus You will be greatly missed and never forgotten in our hearts.

Brett Small

December 19, 2012

Mearl Justus gave me Tootsie Roll Pops back in the day when his office in Cahokia was across the hall from my mother's...and Mearl was a great compadre of my father's as well... In fact, I believe Mearl and Audrey were at Fireman's Dance with my parents, Bob and Millie Kerens, when my brother and I had a slight burning of the ceiling [fire accident] in the newly painted kitchen....
Mearl was a great human being who graced our piece of the earth bringing good will and more importantly common sense into the realm. His shoes are way too big to be filled by anyone.
Instead, consider Mearl the inspiration to become all that he was and did for the people of St. Clair County and beyond. That would be a worthy goal to set and to meet.
Audrey, sincere sympathies to you and your family….. My mother and I will add you all to our prayers.

Claudia Kerens

December 19, 2012

Please accept my deepest sympathy in the passing of Mearl. I have happy memories as we served on committees many years ago and most recently, on the SWIC/PSOP Advisory Council. I always thought very highly of him. He will be truly missed by everyone.

Rose Marie Fitzgerald

December 19, 2012

Audrey, I'm so sorry for your loss. I bet Merl and my dad are up there fishing with Gene Bess having a blast. May he RIP.

Jamie Leslie

December 19, 2012

you was a great man to be around one of your employes

December 19, 2012

May God bless you cousin Mearl as you continue to protect us all in heaven above. I will miss sitting with you at the holiday table and sharing stories of when I was little. You will be deeply missed by us all.
To Audrey and Audie our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Just knowing the mark he has left on everyone he came in contact with and all the good he did for the people of St. Clair County I hope gives you peace. His legacy will live on for many years to come.

Kevin and Donna Kocurek

December 19, 2012

MEARL JUSTUS WAS ONE OF A KIND. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL OF US, HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND ,TEACHER, AND MENTOR TO ME AS A POLICEMAN AND AS A PERSON. THANKS MEARL FOR DOING WHAT YOU DID BEST . MRS JUSTUS YOUR FAMILY IS IN OUR PRAYERS. I LOST MY FATHER FRED ON DECEMBER 18 TWENTY ONE YEARS AGO I GUESS THE GOOD LORD TAKES GREAT MEN ON THAT DATE.

KEVIN MCDANIEL

December 19, 2012

You will be sadly missed Mearl. Your service, honor, & friendship will live on in our hearts.

Mary Gompers

December 19, 2012

RIP, Mearl You were such a good friend to my Dad & Mom, You will be missed. Earnest&Virginia Russell, We know Audry also. Love to your family, and God Bless them All. My prayers are with your family. Love Debbie Russell/ Henry.

Debra Henry

December 19, 2012

Rest in peace my friend. Sister Peter Altgilbers, will welcome you to heaven.

Samuel R. Jackson Jr. PHJC Associate

December 19, 2012

It is hard to believe you did my Dad's eulogy only months ago now your'e together with him. You were one of my Father's all time favorite people. As childhood friends you two made memories for the archives. Thank you for being such an important part of my Father's life and meaning so much to him. Merle will always be known for his dry wit and story to tell. Heaven has a new comedian in the house.

Renee Stout

December 19, 2012

A truely great man will be missed by all.
I am sure my Dad, Marty Hubbard, is so happy to have you up there with him. My deepest sympathy Audrey.
Ellen Hubbard Kaelin

December 19, 2012

It was my distinct pleasure to work for the sheriff as a nurse in the jail infirmary years ago. He was a great man and one I will never forget in my lifetime. Fran (Cooky) Robinson.

December 19, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are sent to you.

Randy & Diana Robert

December 19, 2012

St Clair County has lost a great man and we have lost a good friend. He and my father(Red Rachell) worked together for many years in Cahokia. I know he is entertaining the angels right now with one of his many humorous stories. Our deepest sympathys Audrey. Pat(Rachell)and Perry Taylor of Naples,Fl.

December 19, 2012

You did a great service for the public and you were known for your fairness. This area will not be the same without you. The public thanks you for your hard work and dedication to keeping all of us safe. R.I.P. Mearl Justus.

Sandra Ramsey

December 19, 2012

Thanks for being a good example of what a police officer should be, God bless

James Boyd

December 19, 2012

Merel was a wonderful and caring friend. I have ejoyed being on the the 911 Board with him. I loved his sense of humor and storytelling over the years. May he rest in peace and my thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Justus.

Mayor George Chance

December 19, 2012

Audrey, Audie, and the entire family, I am so deeply saddened to hear of Mearl's passing. So many memories going back to my childhood include times w/ the Justus family (boating, swimming, and family bbq). A truly great man. I'm sure him and my dad (Lt. Guy Westbrook, Cahokia PD) are up there swearing and having a grand ol' time being together again. My deepest condolences. Law enforcement and all that knew him lost a great man.

Dana Westbrook Waters

December 19, 2012

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Justus family RIP Sheriff Justus

Paula (Lubeck) Mullins

December 19, 2012

Our deepest sympathy. Mearl was dearly loved by many people he will forever be in our hearts.
Rick and Terri Brewer

Rick & Terri Brewer

December 19, 2012

Our prayers are with you

rick brewer

December 19, 2012

We will miss you Mearl Arbor Room Girls

susie smith

December 19, 2012

Mearl helped us in Fairview form our police department in 1970-71. He was instrumental in many ways. Those of us from the first police board has owed his leadership for years. He was our
good friend and we are saddened.
warren baker

December 19, 2012

Prayers and thoughts of peace to your family. RIP Sheriff Justus. One of a kind.

Kim Regan

December 19, 2012

Mearl and Audrey have been friends of my late husband (Bob Staten) and me for many years. They are wonderful people. Mearl was a great influence on so many police officers in St.Clair county he will be missed. So many people knew him and loved him for the person he was. He would go the extra mile to help people. Audrey my prayers are with you dear friend.

Kay Staten

December 18, 2012

Rest In Peace, Mearl Justus. He was a great man. Working for the police department in St. Clair county Illinois for so long. He will be missed by friends and family.

Pattie Ham

December 18, 2012

Mearl was such a good friend over these last 34 years. He had a great sense of humor and it was always a pleasure to spend time with him. He will be missed by many.

Gary & Allison Berkley

December 18, 2012

This is truly a sad day in St. Clair County and among law enforcement families thoughout the area. Mearl Justus has touched so many lives, it is impossible to count. A pillar in the County, with a strong sense of values and a stern voice that commanded attention has been silenced marking the end of an era. He will be greatly missed.

Denise Chamberlain

December 18, 2012

Merle you will be so missed by dear Audrey, the rest of your family and so many friends. You were a very good friend too so many. You were serious when it was necessary but you were equally a lot of fun with such a great sense of humor. You will be sorely missed. R.I.P dear old friend.

Sue Crader

December 18, 2012

God rest ur soul Mearl, may u rest in peace, God love Aubrey, we know u were her Rock......

Danelle and Terry Delaney

December 18, 2012

you will be missed ty for your service and friendship

December 18, 2012

Our deepest sympathies to the entire Justice family. Mearl Justice was always a bright light with our family - from my father all the way to my husband (Deputy Marshall in Cahokia). May God Provide you strength and comfort during this difficult time - RIP Mearl Justice - We Will Miss You!

The Bowder Family

December 18, 2012

You will always remain in my heart and your family in my prayers. You were a fine man and friend when one was needed.

Cindy Jordan

December 18, 2012

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. He was truely a legend in St. Clair County and we have lost a good friend. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you, Audrey. We will keep you in our prayers.

Bob and Janet Delaney

December 18, 2012

A great man who served the people for many years.

Charles Jefferson

December 18, 2012

merle was a good friend to me and my family,but he was even a better sheriff, he will be sorely missed this world just lost a real life super hero crime fighter, may he rest in peace, god bless you audrey our thoughts and prayers are with you.

tammy dunigan-ashton

December 18, 2012

MR JUSTUS WAS A WONDERFULL MAN AND WILL TRUELY BE MISSED PRAYERS TO ALL THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!!

SUE BURCH

December 18, 2012

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