James D. Merrell Sr., 89, of Troy, IL, born Wednesday, August 27, 1930 in South Fulton, TN and passed away on Friday, February 7, 2020 at Anderson Hospital, Maryville, IL.

James proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corp. He was a faithful member of Troy United Methodist Church serving as head usher for many years. James owned and operated Jim's Derby Service Station in East St. Louis delivering Dr. Pepper in the Belleville area. He later retired from Triad School District in 2015 as a Custodian for the Henning School. He was a member of the Caseyville Moose Lodge and Teamster Local.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don J. and Pearline (nee Bynum) Merrell; sister, Mary Krammer; and his brother-in-laws, Lee Krammer and Mark Rednour.

Surviving are his wife, Margaret (Nee Haley) Merrell of Troy, IL; children, Donna (Kenneth) Higginbotham of Buloxi, MS, James Earl (Cathy) Merrell of Beechwood, NJ, Jeffrey Merrell of Paducah, KY, James D. Merrell Jr. of Troy, IL, Sheila (James) Hall of Troy, IL and David J. (Angel) Merrell of Troy, IL; grandchildren, Kenny Jo Higginbotham, Jeff Jr. Merrell, Trevor Hall, Zachary (Lindsay) Hall, JJ Merrell, Hannah Merrell, Ashleighann Merrell, Dylan Merrell and Alana Merrell; sisters, Mavis Rednour of Oakland, CA and Jane (Abe) Abrams of Dix, IL

Memorials may be made to Troy United Methodist Church or Henning Memorial Fund. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com

Friends welcome 5 to 7 pm on Sunday, February 9 and 10 to 11 am Monday, February 10 at Troy United Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be held 11 am Monday, February 10 at Troy United Methodist Church. Interment with Military Honors will be in Friedens Cemetery, Troy, IL.

RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, Troy, IL