Merle Monroe Micenheimer, 89, of Taylorville, IL died at 12:29 pm Monday, February 3, 2014 at his residence.
He was born November 27, 1924 in Taylorville the son of Raymond Monroe and Grace Huffman Micenheimer. On July 15, 1950 he married Betty L. Rogers at the First Methodist Church in Taylorville. She preceded him in death on August 6, 2004. Merle was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Taylorville, United Methodist Men, and served as head usher for over 40 years. He was an Army veteran of World War II serving with the 19th AAA Tophat Division, member of V.F.W. Post 4495, American Legion Post 73, and Amvets Post 29. Mr. Micenheimer graduated from the University of Illinois and received his Master’s Degree from Millikin University. He taught Social Studies and Physical Education in the Stonington Middle School, and was a long time baseball coach and track coach. He also coached Special Olympics. Following his retirement from teaching he went to work at the Christian County Mental Health Workshop as a caregiver and teacher. Merle was an avid Cub fan and served on the Board of Directors of C.E.F.S for many years. He earned his Black Belt in Tai Kwan Do at the age of 86, and was a marathon runner competing in 17 marathons. It is estimated that he ran enough miles to circle the Earth at the Equator. For the last 20 years he organized a volunteer crew at St. John’s Breadline in Springfield.
Surviving are his son: Larry Micenheimer and wife Lisa of Effingham, Daughters: Chris Ransdell and husband Terry and Susan Tolliver all of Taylorville. There are 7 Grandchildren: Andrew Micenheimer, Tyler Micenheimer and wife Erin, Haley Micenheimer, Christopher Tolliver, Scott Tolliver, Sarah Ransdell, and Kelsey LeVault and husband Jimmy. Half-brother: Jim Micenheimer and wife Linda of Taylorville, and half-sister, Mary Davey and husband Tom of Mt. Zion. There are several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, aunt and uncle, Orvie and Ivy Huffman, step-mother, Ida Maude Micenheimer, and mother-in-law, Helen Rogers.
Funeral Services will be held at 10 am Friday, February 7 at the First United Methodist Church in Taylorville with Pastor Becky Lembke officiating. Burial with Military honors will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Riverton, IL. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thursday at McClure Funeral Home, Taylorville.
Memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 200 S. Walnut, Taylorville, IL 62568 or Christian County Animal Shelter, 300 S. Baughman, Taylorville, IL 62568.
Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
