Merlin Lee Eley

Merlin L. "Lee" Eley, age 87 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Cedarhurst Senior Living in Highland, IL. He was born on Sunday, May 9, 1937, in Lakeview, OH, the son of Merlin and Mildred (nee Swonger) Eley. On Saturday, February 13, 2021, he married Mary A. Pieck in Highland, Illinois, who survives. He was a member of Masonic Lodge, Shriners, and Troy Methodist Club. Lee grew up in Lakeview, Ohio area. He graduated from Ohio Northern College, and served in the U.S. Army in Germany with the tank crew. He worked for Van Horn Funeral Home at age 16, Air Stream for five years, and Dow Chemical for 30 years. He has lived in Ohio; Michigan; Buffalo, New York; and moved to Highland in 1973. He retired in 2007 as plant manager. In retirement, he would winter in a village in Florida. His hobbies included golfing at Carlyle Lake Golf Club, watching the Ohio State Buckeyes and St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, reading sports books, newspapers, novels and biographies. He loved having a good cigar, every now and again. He was great at captivating a large crowd with his jokes. He also had a collection of Ohio State memorabilia. Survivors include: Wife - Mary A. Harrington-Eley, nee Pieck Daughter - Alisa N. Gunter, Highland, IL Son - Alan L. (Fran) Eley, Highland, IL Son - Andrew C. Eley, Highland, IL Step Daughter - Elizabeth R. (Stan) Westjohn, Tuscaloosa, AL Step Daughter - Laura C. (Jeff) Hettinger, Spring Hill, TN Grandchild - Donny (Jill) Gunter Grandchild - Catherine (Casey) Adolph Grandchild - Lindsay (Joe) Belobraydic Grandchild - Kymberly (Keith) Rakers Step Grandchild - Max (Riley) Westjohn Step Grandchild - Ford Westjohn Step Grandchild - Olivia Hettinger Great Grandchild - Destiny (Significant Other Gabby) Adolph Great Grandchild - Maddison (Greg) Urbanc Great Grandchild - Reagan Adolph Great Grandchild - Landon Gunter Great Grandchild - Alan Adolph Great Grandchild - Olivia Adolph Great Grandchild - Colton Snow Great Grandchild - William Adolph Great Grandchild - Luke Gunter Great Grandchild - Michael Adolph Great Grandchild - Rylie Gunter Great Grandchild - Paislee Rakers Step Great Grandchild - George Westjohn Great Great Grandchild - Elliana Urbanc He was preceded in death by: Father - Merlin F. "Bus" Eley Mother - Mildred L. Eley, nee Swonger First Wife - Mary E. Eley, nee Kapp - Died 5/08/2007 Step Grandchild - Benjamin Harrington - Died 4/28/2020 Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. A Celebration of Life will be held at Cedarhurst of Highland on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Area Christian Service Ministry or Metro East Humane Society.

Merlin Lee Eley

May 9, 1937 - June 13, 2024