Anthony J. Merrick

Anthony “Bud” Merrick, Jr., 83, a lifelong resident of Springfield, died at 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, October 7, 2007 at St. John’s Hospice. Bud was born on January 8, 1924 in Springfield, the son of Anthony J. Sr. and Hazel Nichols Merrick who preceded him in death. He married Viola Mary Lee on December 15, 1943. He was a WWII U.S. Army Veteran serving in the 26th Yankee Division and decorated with 2 Overseas Service Bars, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory Medal. He was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. He was employed as a coal miner at Freeman Crown Coal Mine in Farmersville and also Peabody Mine #10 in Pawnee. Bud was a hardworking gentleman with a great sense of humor who enjoyed woodworking, building and remodeling. He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Viola M. Merrick of Springfield; one son, Tony (wife, Deb) Merrick of Dawson; one daughter, Sylvia (husband, Ronnie) Rouse of Springfield; four grandchildren: Melissa (husband, Matt) Taylor; Jennifer (husband, Mike) Moore, Robyn (husband, Greg) Feese and Sandra Rouse; four great-grandchildren: Allison and Zachary Taylor, Austin Moore and Mark Anthony Smith, Jr.; one sister, Vivian Cary of Springfield and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family welcomes friends to visit from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 1020 N. Milton, Springfield with Rev. Richard Chiola celebrant. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery where the Interveterans Burial Detail will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, Springfield Office, 6 Drawbridge Rd, Suite 4, Springfield, IL 62704.