Merle S. Lockhart

February 1, 1932 - March 17, 2019

Merle Scott Lockhart, 87, of Wellington, Illinois passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at OSF HealthCare in Urbana. He was born on February 1, 1932 in Wellington, the son of Maurice Scott and Ruth (Stuart) Lockhart. He married Jean C. Gillins on December 3, 1955 who survives. In addition to his wife, Jean Lockhart of Wellington, Merle is survived by one son, Scott (Cindy) Lockhart of Brownsburg, IN and one daughter, Dawn (Skip) Crusinberry of Fresno, CA. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. The grandchildren are Trent (Bethany) Lockhart, Honolulu, HI; Sara Crusinberry, Merced, CA; Jill (Cody) Akers, West Lafayette, IN; Taylor Lockhart and Aeron Hylton both of Indianapolis, IN. Surviving are two sisters-in-law, Mary Lockhart and Cheryl Gillins. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, two brothers (Robert and Gail) and one brother-in-law, Gary Gillins. Merle graduated from Wellington High School in 1949 and then served in the United States Air Force. He worked at Lockhart Sales & Service Case Implement. He opened and managed the John Deere Parts & Service Center in Hoopeston, IL where he retired in 1997. Throughout the years, Merle was an active member of the Wellington United Methodist Church. Merle was a loyal and dedicated member of the Wellington Lions Club. He served as Mayor of Wellington for over 30 years and was also a volunteer fireman in Wellington. Merle loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved watching sports, especially the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs, Fighting Illini, Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Bears. Visitation will be held 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. Funeral services to be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at the Wellington United Methodist Church 410 E. Main St., Wellington, IL, with Rev. Cathy Najmon officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford. Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384. Memorials may be made to the Wellington United Methodist Church, Wellington Lions Club or the Donor’s Choice.