Merle Alan Sayre, 85, of Virginia, IL, died Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Walker Nursing Home in Virginia.

He was born August 6, 1938, in Morgan County, the son of Richard C. and Helen Louise (Crain) Sayre. He married Linda L. Walker on Nov. 15, 1959, at Durbin United Methodist Church in Franklin, and she survives.

He is also survived by one son and two daughters, Timothy Sayre (wife, Tracie) of Arenzville, Lori Moore (husband, Ron) of Jerseyville and Amy Sayre Baptista (husband, Khyran) of Springfield; five grandchildren, Emily Adcock (husband, Justin) of Moweaqua, Seely Kelly (husband, Patrick) of Cornell, Sarah Nichols (husband, Cruz) of Jerseyville, Kendi Tjardes (husband, Jeremy) of Gibson City and Kira Sayre of Arenzille; four great grandchildren, Harper Nichols, Eva Tjardes, Hadley Nichols and Taytum Adcock; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Darryl L. Sayre (surviving wife, Ruthie of Franklin) and Neil Sayre (surviving wife, Mary of California); and one great granddaughter, Kinsley Grace Adcock.

Merle was a 1956 graduate of Franklin High School. He served as a medic in the United States Army from 1957 to 1964. He completed his training at Fort Sam Houston Burn Unit. Following his military service, he returned home to farm. Later, he drove a school bus for Jacksonville School District 117 for four years and worked for Fed Ex for 10 years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. He also was a member of Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau, Illinois Hereford Association, the American Hereford Association and had served on the Virginia School Board for eight years. He also volunteered as a 4-H leader and served on the beef committee for the Morgan County Fair. Earlier in life, he enjoyed participating in tractor pulls at county fairs. Merle especially enjoyed attending all of his grandkids sporting events and was very involved in all aspects of showing cattle with both his children and grandchildren. He hosted several family burgoos and was an expert burgoo stirrer as well as an expert homemade ice cream maker.

The Sayre family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Walker Nursing Home and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

A private graveside service will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial gifts are suggested to Walker Nursing Home, Illinois Junior Hereford Association or the Wounded Warrior Project. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.