Merle Floyd

ASHMORE- Merle E. Floyd, 88, of Ashmore, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Heartland Senior Living of Neoga.

His funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home with Pastor Don Pankey officiating. Burial with military rites by Paul McVey V.F.W. Post #1592 and it's auxiliary, and Charleston American Legion Post #93 will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Merle was born September 5, 1936 in Kirksville, IL, son of Merle E. and Frances (Shartzer) Floyd.  He married Peggy (Grimes) Pankey; she passed away October 19, 2023. He is survived by step-children, Mary Jane (Bill) Bradley of Charleston, Sue (Lyle) Hunter of Charleston, Eric (Estrella) Pankey of Charleston, Lisa Sparks of Ashmore, and Lori (Charles) Lampley of Charleston; son-in-law, Donald Gandy of Mattoon, and daughter-in-law, Kim Pankey of Toledo; numerous step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, and step great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, Richard Floyd and Jerald Floyd, one sister, Pat Brown, two step-sons, Jeffery Pankey and Larry Pankey, one step-daughter, Kathy Gandy, and one step grandchild, Hope Pankey.

Merle was a retired U.S. Navy veteran, serving during the Vietnam War.  He later worked at and retired from USI.  Merle was a member of Winebrenner Church of God.