Merle Woodrow

James Merle Woodrow, 90, of Green Valley passed away at 10:40 am on Saturday, July 30, 2016 due to complications from a fall. His family was at his bedside. He was born on October 20, 1925 in rural Green Valley to Raymond and Mabel (Runyon) Woodrow Sr. Merle married Donna Meyer on May 20, 1952 in Manito she survives. Merle is also survived by 3 sons: Richard, John (Linda) of Pekin and Robert (Janet) of Green Valley, 2 grandsons: Sam and Dan Woodrow of Green Valley, brother Ray and sister Margaret both of Green Valley, four nieces: Linda, Nancy, Anne, Mary and nephew Joe. His cat “Buckshot” was a constant companion and at his side until the end. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Howard. Merle was a graduate of Green Valley High School class of 1944. He served in the Air National Guard for 6 years. He was a farmer his entire life in Green Valley and Hopedale until he retired in 1996. Merle was proud of his heritage as a direct descendant of Samuel and Catherine Woodrow, one of the first families to come to Tazewell County in 1824. He lived on the family farm in Green Valley that has been in his family since 1853. He was gratified to continue on the family tradition of maintaining the big old red barn on the farm that was constructed during the civil war. He was an active member and past elder of the Green Valley Presbyterian Church of which his great-great grandparents were founding members in 1832. Merle was a life member of Manito Masonic Lodge #476 and life member of Scottish Rite and member of Mohammed Shrine of Peoria. He served as past master of his lodge and was past worthy patron of the Eastern Star. He was also a member of the Tazewell County Farm Bureau. Merle was a people person who cared and loved others. In 1985 he gave to John Deere the idea for the “lock and load system” which has improved the lives of many. He was an avid hunter of ducks, geese and deer. He also enjoyed traveling in the earlier years, around the country with his family in the school bus camper he built. He enjoyed sharing his lake and cabin in Hopedale with his friends and family. During the late 1970’s and early 1980’s the family was honored to cooperate with the Tazewell County Farm Bureau and Caterpillar to host Diplomats from the United Nations to tour several farms in Tazewell County, a relationship with one of the diplomats that stayed with Merle and Donna prompted a three week trip to Africa in 1979. Merle’s family is deeply appreciative of the care provided to him by Roxanne Pfeiffer, other caregivers, and physical therapists he has had the last 7 years. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 1, 2016 from 4 to 7 PM at the Presbyterian Church in Green Valley. The funeral will be on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 10:30 AM also at the Church. Rev. Charles Houston will officiate with burial to follow at the Green Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Green Valley Rescue Squad, Delavan Ambulance, or to the Green Valley Presbyterian Church. Maas-Hurley Funeral Home is in Charge of the arrangements. To leave condolences online visit www.hurleyfh.com

Merle Woodrow

October 20, 1925 - July 30, 2016

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