___

HENDERSON, NV. Merle "Bus" Willard Wilham, 92, of Henderson, NV formerly of Lincoln and Mt. Pulaski, IL died at his home on June 15, 2012.

Merle was born on April 9, 1920 in Mt. Pulaski, IL the son of Dr. Everett and Rebecca Burris Wilham. He first married Nelva Weindorf, mother of Sandra Wilham, later he married Melva Smith, mother of Jeffrey, Troy and Byron Wilham, and later married Juanita Neff, who preceded him in death.

Merle is survived by two sons: Jeffrey E. Wilham and Troy H. Wilham, both of Henderson, NV; one daughter: Sandra Wilham of Lincoln; one step daughter: Linda Singley of Bloomington, IL; one sister: Hilma L. Horn of Mt. Pulaski, IL; one sister-in-law: Esther Wilham of Peoria and four grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son: Byron; one brother: Carl and a baby sister Grace.

Merle was a graduate of Mt. Pulaski High School, Lincoln College and graduated from Bradley University. He was an outstanding athlete and scholar in high school and college. He loved all sports and was an avid Cardinal Fan. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1946. Mr. Wilham was a retired accountant. He served as a crossing guard in his later years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #263.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 22 from 10:00-11:30 am at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln prior to the 12:00 p.m. graveside service at Steenbergen Cemetery, at Mt. Pulaski with Pastor Rachel Stockle officiating. Burial will follow with full military rites by the Lincoln American Legion Post # 263. Memorials may be given to the American Legion Post # 263 of Lincoln.