Merlin L. "Lee" Eley, age 87 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Cedarhurst Senior Living in Highland, IL.

He was born on Sunday, May 9, 1937, in Lakeview, OH, the son of Merlin and Mildred (nee Swonger) Eley.

On Saturday, February 13, 2021, he married Mary A. Pieck in Highland, Illinois, who survives.

He was a member of Masonic Lodge, Shriners, and Troy Methodist Club.

Lee grew up in Lakeview, Ohio area. He graduated from Ohio Northern College, and served in the U.S. Army in Germany with the tank crew. He worked for Van Horn Funeral Home at age 16, Air Stream for five years, and Dow Chemical for 30 years. He has lived in Ohio; Michigan; Buffalo, New York; and moved to Highland in 1973. He retired in 2007 as plant manager. In retirement, he would winter in a village in Florida. His hobbies included golfing at Carlyle Lake Golf Club, watching the Ohio State Buckeyes and St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, reading sports books, newspapers, novels and biographies. He loved having a good cigar, every now and again. He was great at captivating a large crowd with his jokes. He also had a collection of Ohio State memorabilia.

Survivors include:
Wife - Mary A. Harrington-Eley, nee Pieck
Daughter - Alisa N. Gunter, Highland, IL
Son - Alan L. (Fran) Eley, Highland, IL
Son - Andrew C. Eley, Highland, IL
Step Daughter - Elizabeth R. (Stan) Westjohn, Tuscaloosa, AL
Step Daughter - Laura C. (Jeff) Hettinger, Spring Hill, TN
Grandchild - Donny (Jill) Gunter
Grandchild - Catherine (Casey) Adolph
Grandchild - Lindsay (Joe) Belobraydic
Grandchild - Kymberly (Keith) Rakers
Step Grandchild - Max (Riley) Westjohn
Step Grandchild - Ford Westjohn
Step Grandchild - Olivia Hettinger
Great Grandchild - Destiny (Significant Other Gabby) Adolph
Great Grandchild - Maddison (Greg) Urbanc
Great Grandchild - Reagan Adolph
Great Grandchild - Landon Gunter
Great Grandchild - Alan Adolph
Great Grandchild - Olivia Adolph
Great Grandchild - Colton Snow
Great Grandchild - William Adolph
Great Grandchild - Luke Gunter
Great Grandchild - Michael Adolph
Great Grandchild - Rylie Gunter
Great Grandchild - Paislee Rakers
Step Great Grandchild - George Westjohn
Great Great Grandchild - Elliana Urbanc

He was preceded in death by:
Father - Merlin F. "Bus" Eley
Mother - Mildred L. Eley, nee Swonger
First Wife - Mary E. Eley, nee Kapp - Died 5/08/2007
Step Grandchild - Benjamin Harrington - Died 4/28/2020

Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cedarhurst of Highland on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Area Christian Service Ministry or Metro East Humane Society.