Jessie Merkel of Tamaroa

TAMAROA - Jessie Merkel, 77, of Tamaroa, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.

He was born on Nov. 27, 1940 in Perry County to Sam and Lenoir (Murry) Merkel. He married Joyce Ann (Miller) Merkel on June 18, 1960 and she preceded him in death on Feb. 25, 2010. He then married Kay Davis on March 30, 2011 and she survives, of Du Quoin.

Jessie is also survived by his children, Stacy Merkel of Tamaroa and Kevin Merkel of Tamaroa; grandchildren, Calley Cobb, Jonathon Merkel and Dillion Merkel; great-grandchildren, Joselyn Merkel and Jordin Cobb; one sister, Virginia Gostowski of Benton; and one brother, Delmar Merkel of Washington, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, and five brothers, Alan Merkel, Ogle Merkel, Freddie Merkel, John Merkel and Henry Merkel.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29 at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with the Rev. Ray Baggott officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. on Thursday until the time of the service.

Burial will be at Paradise Prairie Cemetery in Tamaroa. For more information, visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.