Merle E. Huntington, 88, of Belvidere, IL, passed away on Thursday morning, May 21, 2015 at Maple Crest Care Centre in Belvidere. Merle was born on January 21, 1927 in Belvidere, IL, son of Fred and Belle (Wixon) Huntington. He graduated from Belvidere High School. Merle married Bette Heuer on October 7, 1951 in Belvidere, IL. He was a farmer in Boone County for most of his life, and also was employed by Woodward Governor as a machine operator for 25 years. Merle was a past member of First Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, going on family vacations and wintering in Florida. The most important thing in Merle's life was his family. Merle was a member of Bonus Grange, Prairie Grange and a past member of the Boone County Fair Board.

Merle is loved and will be missed by his children, Marlene (Kent) Williams, Susan (Terry) Sanford, Mark (Shelley) Huntington; sister, Geraldine Gorham; grandchildren, Beth (Erik) Stephans, Michelle (Troy) Evans, Jessica (Michael) Romano, Derek (Kelly) Sanford, Mallory Huntington, Emily (Heath) Chambers, Chelsey Huntington; 11 great-grandchildren; close nephew, Glenn Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Bette; infant daughter, Meriel Ann Huntington; infant sister, Clara Belle Huntington; siblings, Wylladene Smith, Charles Huntington; great-granddaughter, Alexandra Williams.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere, IL 61008 with Rev. Cory Whitford officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m., Monday, May 25, 2015 at the funeral home with a Grange service at 7:30 p.m., and also a visitation from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service on Tuesday. Burial will take place in Belvidere Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family. To light a candle or share a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.