Merle LaVerne Hollingsworth, 78, of Arthur, died at 10:10 PM Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Mason Point, rural Sullivan.

Private funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Shrader Funeral Home, 431 S. Vine Street, Arthur, with Rev. John Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in the Bourbon Cemetery.

Merle was born April 16, 1937 in Clinton, Indiana, the son of Howard and Claribel Wilfong Hollingsworth. He married Janet Tildon in Cayuga, Indiana in Feb., 1961; she survives.

Besides his wife Janet, he is survived by 2 sons, David (Susan) Hollingsworth of Cerro Gordo; Scott (Angie) Hollingsworth of Arthur; 5 grandchildren, Matt Hollingsworth of St. Louis; Diann (Scott) Durbin of Cerro Gordo; Brittanie (Nic) Lough of Tuscola; Macy and Jake Hollingsworth of Arthur; 5 great grandchildren, Jillian, Griffin, and Bennett Durbin; Will Cowan; and Greyson Lough; 2 brothers, Keith Hollingsworth of Hillsdale, Indiana; and Ron Hollingsworth of Dallas, Texas.

Merle was employed by Ecoff Trucking & Liquid Transport for 44 years and was a member of Teamster Local #26. He was an avid reader and enjoyed westerns by Tom Clancy and mechanical information.

Merle served in the US Army from 1955-1957.

Memorials are suggested to Mason Point, One Masonic Way, Sullivan, IL 61951.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.hilligossshraderfh.com