Merle Monroe Cameron, 88, of Owaneco died Thursday, April 7, 2016 in Pana Community Hospital.
He was born July 30, 1927 at home in Locust Township, Christian County, the son of Madison Monroe & Pearl Berry Cameron.  A graduate of Assumption High School, Merle lived his entire life in Locust Township, Owaneco except the time he served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War.  He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4431, Pana; Christian County Farm Bureau and the American Ag Movement where he took part in the tractor drive to Washington DC.  Merle was proud to be a farmer, which he loved, and never retired.  He was a Burrus Seed Corn dealer and also sold other farm supplies.  He loved his family and was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather.  He also enjoyed word search and bingo. 
Merle Monroe Cameron and Armelda Ann Hendricks were united in marriage on September 7, 1952 in Taylorville. 
He is survived by his wife Armelda Cameron, Owaneco, IL; children: Mary Clucas & husband Larry, Rockford, IL;  Jean Vandenbergh & husband Jim, Jr. and Danny Cameron & wife Christy, both of Pana, IL; grandchildren: Michelle (Tyler) Christer, Pana; Christine (Haven) Cherry, Minot, ND; Laura (Blake) Hubbartt, Tower Hill, IL; Rachel Vandenbergh, Nokomis;  Ryan Vandenbergh,  Aaron Vandenbergh, Tyler Cameron, Jesse Cameron, Anna Cameron all of Pana; 2 great grandchildren:  Mackenley Christer and Logan Cherry; and by his brother Roy (June) Cameron, Greeley, CO.
Merle was preceded in death by his parents and sister Myrtle O’Brien.
The family wishes to thank those who would like to celebrate Merle’s life with a memorial gift.  They ask memorials be made to Pana FFA, Section 19 or Sacred Heart School, Pana.
Visitation will be Monday, April 11, 2016 from 5 to 7 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home.   Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Betty Coffey officiating.  Burial will be in Owaneco Cemetery with graveside military rites by Pana Veterans Honor Guard.
Light a virtual candle or send condolences to the family at www.mdfh.com.