J. Merrill Bland's Obituary
J. Merrill Bland, age 86, of Charleston, IL (formerly of Pana, IL) passed away peacefully in his home at 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
He was born on March 22, 1938, in Shelby County, IL, to James Harold and Pauline (Smart) Bland. He married Clarrenna Hill on November 19, 1964, and they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage until her passing on July 21, 2019.
He is survived by his brothers, Jerry Bland (Sara) of Jasper, GA, and Rudy Bland (Diane) of St. John, IN, along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Merrill was a 1956 graduate of Pana High School and attended Bradley University and Eastern Illinois University, focusing on engineering. He served in the Army from 1962 to 1964. Merrill was employed as a union ironworker and later ran his own cattle business in Charleston, raising Red Angus cattle. He was a lifetime member of the Union Ironworker Local #22. He leaves behind a neighborhood of many caring and sharing friends. He had a passion for working with cattle and machinery.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Paul McVey VFW Post #1592, located at 1742 20th Street in Charleston, IL. Light refreshments will be served. At 11:30 a.m., family and friends are invited to share memories and reflections. Inurnment will take place privately, in accordance with the family’s wishes.
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