Merle Pepper

Merle Pepper, 81, of Bismarck IL, passed away at 12:00 AM on November 20, 2011 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno IL. Merle was born July 1, 1931 in Champaign Il to Frank and Myrtle (Brewer) Pepper. He married Dorothy Strong on September 12, 1969 in Danville Il, she survives. Other survivors include one son - Larry Lee Pepper (Mary Lynne Doherty) of East Dundee IL, daughters - Leta Lynn Pepper, Sharon (Mike) Packard of Bismarck, Donna Grubb of Union MO, Marlene (Larry) Harper of Georgetown, sister - Betty Mandt, Grandchildren Michael Packard, Laura Woodason Larry and Michael Harper, Denise Shepard, Greg Grubb, Susan Lamnert and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, previous wife Harriet Howe, and son-in-law Jerry Grubb. Merle served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. After leaving the army he went into construction as a general contractor. He had a great love for the outdoor, raised hunting dogs and enjoyed coon hunting. An avid circus fan he brought joy to people's lives though the PepperRidge Zoo, a traveling menagerie that toured the Midwest. A celebration of Merle's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday November 24, 2012 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville. Drew Mentzer of 2nd Church of Christ will be officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 11:00 on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Patterson Cemetery in St. Joseph with military honors performed by the Danville American Legion post #210. Memorials can be made in Merle's name to the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno IL. Please join Merle's family in sharing photos, videos and memories of him through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com