Noel Arlan McPherson 99 of Urbana died Sunday, December 18, 2016 at Bridle Brook, Mahomet.

Mr. McPherson was born on June 5, 1917 in Mt. Vernon, the son of John A. and Ethel Muckelroy McPherson. He married Geraldine A. Barker on May 20, 1942. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, a daughter; Sandra Lynne and three sisters.

Surviving are twin daughters; Bonnie (John) Murtha of Reno, Nevada, Connie (James) Jamison of Ogden, one son; Herbert (Shalia) McPherson of Niwot, Colorado, nine grandchildren; Craig, Jon, Melisa & Jace Jamison, April Fratzke and Shane Murtha, Bailey Hansford, Casey & Haley McPherson and two great grandchildren; Alexa Jamison and Nolan Fratzke.

Mr. McPherson received his education in the Urbana Public Schools, the University of Illinois and Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.

Mr. McPherson joined the Army in June 1941. He served five years in the service and in Europe as an Artillery Battery Commander. He was awarded 5 major campaign stars, the Bronze star, the Purple Heart with cluster and the French Croix de Guirre with clusters. He served under General Patton during the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged with the rank of Major in 1946. He was a life member of the D.A.V. and life member of the military order of the Purple Heart.

Mr. McPherson was employed by the Champaign County Bank & Trust Co. for 35 years, serving as President from 1969 to 1981 when he retired as the bank's chief operating officer but remained a member of the Board of Directors. In 1984 he was elected Chairman of the Board and President. He held this position until the bank was sold to First Busey Corp. in 1985.

During his active career he was involved in many community and civic organizations. He served as Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and Family Service of Champaign County. He was Treasurer of Illini Industrial Development Corp. and an appointive term of Unit 4 School Board. He was also Treasurer of Cunningham Children's Home. He served as Secretary and President of the Urbana Rotary Club and was a past District Governor of Rotary District 6490. He was a Paul Harris Fellow and a benefactor of the Rotary International Foundation.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bondville United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer's Association.

The family wishes to thank his devoted care givers at the Waterford @ Bridle Brook, Carle Home Care and Carle Hospice for their love, devotion and support.

A visitation will be held from 10:30 to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery, Urbana.

Condolences may be offered at www.rennerwikoffchapel.com.