Merle M. Macke, 92, of Elkville, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025 at Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.
He worked at Elverado school district 196 as a janitor.  He also worked as a carpenter.  He was a member of Knoff Bend Pentecostal Church where he was Pastor for over 50 years.  He considered himself a member of section 2 United Pentecostal church.  Merle served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force and served from 1952 - 1962  in the Korean War.
He was born November 1, 1932 in Cutler, IL, the son on Carl and Alice (Quillman) Macke.
Merle married Darla Jean Stewart on July 19, 1953 at the Knoff Bend Pentecostal Church in Elkville, IL and she preceded him in death on January 2, 2019.
He is survived by two sons - Merle Sanford Macke of Elkville and Sidney Boyd Macke and wife Sheridan of Du Quoin, six grandchildren - Ella Hardwick, Molly Pierjok and husband Phil, Lila Macke, Walter Schneider, Brooke Hardwick, and Alisha Hardwick, three great grandchildren - Bristal Smith, Memphis Pierjok, and Andrew Pierjok, daughter-in-law - Carol Boyle Macke of Thompsonville, brother-in-law - Roger Stewart and wife Virginia of Dowell, two sisters-in-law - Thelma Leek of Elkville and Ollie Uptegraft of Rosemont, MN, special nephew - Kevin Leehy and wife Robin of Du Quoin and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son - Neal S. Macke, brother - Melvin Macke and two sisters - Ruth Ann Macke and Thelma Long.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Don Maas officiating.
Friends may call from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Friday.
Burial will be at the Blairsville Cemetery in Blairsville.
Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W and American Legion and the United States Air Force.
Friends may make memorials to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.