Merrill Duane Woodward

Catlin – Merrill Duane Woodward, 74, of Catlin passed away at his home in Catlin, IL on November 22, 2021.

Merrill was born on April 25, 1947 the son Kenneth Eugene and Iva Rose (Williams) Woodward in Danville, IL.

Merrill is survived by his sisters, Lois Woodward of Catlin, IL, and Marlene Owen, Waxahachie, TX.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, several aunts and uncles. 

Merrill attended Catlin schools and graduated from Catlin High School in 1966.  He enlisted in the Air Force in 1968 and served in Vietnam where he was exposed to Agent Orange.  After his discharge in 1972, Merrill worked at FAMCO in Tilton until he was hired at General Motors.  Merrill bought the house he was raised in and resided there until the Tilton General Motors foundry closed.  He moved to Arlington, TX to continue to work for General Motors and moved back to Catlin in 2004 upon his retirement. 

Merrill was deeply religious and kept his family and friends close to his heart.  He was extremely generous with his time.  He and Lois made sure their mom attended special occasions of her in-laws, nieces and nephews after their dad’s passing in 1997.  They shared caregiver responsibilities for their mom after she became disabled until her passing in 2015.  Lois checked on him daily and took him to his numerous doctor appointments. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday December 1, 2021 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St., Danville, Illinois 61834. James Blue will officiate. Burial will be in Danville National Cemetery. Military Rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made in Merrill’s name to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) 1700 N. Lake Shore Drive Decatur, Illinois 62526.

Please join Merrill’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .

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