Merle Lee Bourne, Sr.'s Obituary
Merle Lee Bourne, Sr. 78, of Decatur, died on Sunday, June 27, 2004 in his home surrounded by his family.
Mass of the resurrection celebrating his life will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 1, 2004 in Holy Family Catholic Church, Fr. Joe Molloy celebrant. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the church, vigil prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Moran & Goebel Funeral Home are in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Merle was born on April 5, 1926 the son of John Ira and Bessie Maude Stephens Bourne. He moved to Decatur at the age of two and attended the public schools, and upon his return from the United States Air Force in 1944 he attended Milikin University. In 1950 Merle entered the beverage business and later became a partner in Smith Tire Co. His interests included commercial real estate and development, horses and boxing. His main interests were his family, especially his children, grandchildren and his horses. Merle was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He married Joanne Baker on July 9, 1950 in Decatur.
Surviving is his wife of 54 years, Joanne of Decatur; sons: Merle Suzanne Bourne Jr. of Decatur; Rex Kelly Bourne of Ft. Worth TX; Judd Tiffany Bourne of Decatur; Peggy Pence, who was like a daughter of Washington D.C; brother, Robert Bourne of Club, MO; sister, Margie Coffee of Decatur; grandchildren: Merle Bourne III, Summer, Sophie and Caitlin Bourne; Cody and Chad Ross; great grandson, Mason Bean.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill; sister, Eilene; grandchildren: Sherri Lynn and Michael Ray Bourne.
What’s your fondest memory of Merle?
What’s a lesson you learned from Merle?
Share a story where Merle's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Merle you’ll never forget.
How did Merle make you smile?