Merle Lee Bumgarner

Merle Lee Bumgarner, 78, of Woodlawn passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2024, peacefully at his home. He was born on June 13, 1946, in Salem, the son of Clyde and Pearl (Sutherland) Bumgarner. He married the love of his life, Sandra Kay Hohlbaugh on June 20, 1969, in Iuka and she survives in Woodlawn.

Along with his devoted wife of 55 years, Sandra Bumgarner, Merle is survived by his beloved family, his daughter, Vicki and son-in-law, Bill Harrell of Woodlawn; 2 granddaughter, Elizabeth and Erin Harrell both of Memphis, TN; brothers, Virgil Bumgarner and wife Erma of Salem, and Ralph Bumgarner and wife Georgia of Sandoval; brother-in-law, John Hohlbaugh of Phoenix, AZ; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Pearl Bumgarner; and his brothers, Clyde Bumgarner Jr and wife Ginny, Ray Bumgarner and wife Dorothy, James Bumgarner, Morris Bumgarner, and Marvin Bumgarner and wife Della.

Mr. Bumgarner was a proud United States of America Army veteran, serving in Vietnam as a Spec. 4. During his working years, he was a dependable employee and worked as a skilled mechanic. Merle was active in the community and a member of the Moose Lodge #1219 and VFW Post 2055, both in Centralia. He enjoyed time spent outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He never passed up an opportunity to attend a good auction. Merle liked to visit new destinations and he and Sandy shared many exciting adventures while traveling. Merle was a man of honor, well respected, kind, generous and enjoyed the simple things in life. A proud grandpa, Merle cherished his two granddaughters, and he was very proud of all they have accomplished. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten by all who knew and loved him. 

A graveside service will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, where his dedicated service to his country will be honored. Memorials may be made in Mr. Bumgarner’s honor to the Mission Salem and will be accepted for his family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia 234 South Elm Centralia, IL 62801. Online condolences and memories of Mr. Bumgarner may be shared with the family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com. and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. 

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