Merrill L. Culvey

Ava, MO

Merrill L. Culvey, 95 years, 2 months, and 3 days old, passed away on December 24, 2010 at his home.

Merrill was born October 21, 1915 in Kirkland, IL to William and Gladys (Strawn) Culvey.

Merrill was a resident of the Ava community since 1971 moving from Belvidere, IL. He worked as a Machinist with Borg Warner Co. in Rockford, IL for 33 years. On June 18, 1937 Merrill and Estalee Bruce were united in marriage in Oregon, IL and to this union five children were born.

Merrill was baptized at South Baptist Church in Belvidere, IL in 1926, where he was a member for many years. He enjoyed playing music, hunting, fishing and was the resident gunsmith at Girdner.

Merrill was preceded in death by his parents, one great grandson, two great granddaughters, two brothers, Donald and Kenneth Culvey and one sister, Isabelle Moore.


Merrill is survived by his wife, Estalee Culvey, Ava, MO, three sons, William L. Culvey, and James Culvey both of Belvidere, IL and Daniel & wife June Culvey, Marion, KY, two daughters and their spouses, Eileen & Neil McCoy, Ava, MO and Marilyn & Robert Blake, Frederic, WI, 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, seven great great grandchildren, two sisters, Marjorie Penwander, Rockton, IL and Mickey Billman, Poplar Grove, IL and a host of other relatives and friends.


Funeral services for Merrill will be Monday, December 27, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO with burial in the Girdner Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, December 27, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to service time in the funeral home. Officiating will be Brother Charles McFarland. Memorials may be made to Girdner Cemetery.