Francis E. Merrifield, 87, of Champaign went to be with his Lord and Savior at 6:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, Urbana. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 from 5-7 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana.

Francis was born on October 10, 1927 in Champaign to parents Daniel and Edna (Trotter) Merrifield. They preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was his son Russell, who passed away on November 22, 2011.

On March 24, 1945 Francis married Alma Miller at The Church of the Brethren in Champaign, she survives. Also surviving are children; Carl Merrifield of Las Vegas NV, Diana (Jim) Stauffer of Omaha NE, Saundra (John) Gardner of Goshen, IN, Karen (Dale) Baer of Springville UT, Kevin (Lisa) Merrifield of Champaign, sister Carol (Donald) Woods of Champaign, brother James (JoAnne) Merrifield of Peoria AZ, ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Francis was a graduate of Champaign High School and earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois. He worked as an Electrical Engineering Assistant in Computer Science at the University of Illinois for 28 years. He was an active member of the Windsor Road Christian Church.

He loved music and played saxophone, piano, harmonica and later on learned bass guitar. He also enjoyed travelling with his wife and family to the western United States.

Francis was a Ham operator early in his life. Electronics, specifically computers, were both a hobby and a career for him. He later enjoyed wood carving and created many pieces ranging from permanent installations in his home to small crafts that he would give as gifts and even sell to the public. One of his favorite things was carving Santa Claus out of various pieces of wood. Francis also enjoyed painting.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Windsor Road Christian Church or to Community Elements.